1954 Packard Pacific

The 1954 Packard lineup, part of the 54th Series, was marketed as 'Clippers' or 'Packards.' The 'Packard' name on the Clipper line was de-emphasized, essentially segmenting the Clippers as its own line and the other Packard models as another line. The Clipper line included the Clipper Special, Clipper Deluxe, and Super Clipper, with body styles that include a sedan, a 2-door club sedan, Speedster, a business coupe, and a hardtop sport coupe. Prices ranged from $2,540 to $3,125.

The 1954 'Packard' line included the Cavalier sedan priced at $3,345 and resting on a 127-inch wheelbase platform. Above the Cavalier was the 'Packard Line' that included the Pacific Hardtop Coupe, a convertible, and the Caribbean Custom Convertible. Prices ranged from $3,830 to over $6,100. The top-of-the-line Packard was the Patrician, reserved for limousines, 8-passenger sedans, and parade cars. Some received hand-built coachwork from the Henney Motor Car company in Freeport, Illinois.

The 'Packard Line' was powered by the company's largest engine, a 359 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder unit with nine main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a four-barrel carburetor. The Pacific hardtop had a similar appearance to a ragtop, although the roof was not foldable and remained in place. It had medallions near the base of the rear roof pillar and fender script. Its base price of $3,830 put it in competition with the Buick Series 70 Roadmaster, Chrysler New Yorker, Cadillac Series 62, and Lincoln Capri. Although not a direct competitor due to its 2-seater configuration, the Chevy Corvette had a base price of $3,525 and the Kaiser Darrin sold for $3,650.

For 1954, Packard ranked 16th among American manufacturers and on October 1st of 1954, the Studebaker-Packard Corporation officially came into existence, with its headquarters in Detroit.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020