1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Eight

The Packard Clipper model of 1947 was available with either six or eight-cylinder power in Standard or Deluxe trim. The Packard Super Clipper Eight (Series 2103) and Custom Super Clipper Eight (Series 2106/2126) were powered by the largest inline-eight Packard engine displacing 356 cubic inches and delivering 165 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Both rested on a standard wheelbase size of 127 inches, while the 7-passenger sedan and limousine of the Customer Super Clipper 8 used a 148-inch platform. The lower Clipper models had a 245.3 cubic-inch inline-six-cylinder or 282.04 inline eight-cylinder engine. The wheelbase measured 120 inches and had a length of 208.4 inches.

The entire Packard Clipper line was essentially a carry-over from the prior year. Packard had resumed civilian production in October of 1945 and total Twenty-First Series (1946) sales had reached nearly 31,000 vehicles. 55,477 were sold during the 1947 calendar year. Packard first used the Clipper name on the 21st Series in 1941. It used the existing One Twenty's engine installed in a new chassis and clothed with modern and striking styling. Only one body style was initially offered, a four-door sedan, which was lower than any contemporary Packard and wider than just nearly all other cars on the U.S. market.

The Clipper styling was extended in 1942 to the most junior, six-cylinder line, previously known as the One Ten. This would continue nearly unchanged in October of 1945.

The 1947 Packard models had a similar appearance, set apart by the engines, wheelbase sizes, level of trim, and interior accouterments. The identification script for the Super Clipper Eight models could be found on the upper part of the front door, below the ventipanes.

1947 was the last year for the Clipper name (although it would later be revived for a base-model eight), as 1948 would bring about a restyling of the Packard line (22nd Series).

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020