1955 Packard Clipper

The 1955 through 1956 Packard models were the last produced in Detroit by the carmaker, and it is unfortunate that the company slipped out of existence just as it was introducing some of its finest work. The 1950s were among the best-handling full-size cars of the era, reportedly, even prompting Chrysler to rethink its own 'Torsion-Aire' design. Although late to the game, Packard introduced a pair of modern overhead-valve V-8 engines with the 1955 Packards, with displacement sizes of 320- and 352-cubic-inches, providing 225 and 275 horsepower respectively. The Ultramatic automatic transmission with a locking torque converter provided the ease of operation of an automatic coupled with the performance and economy of a manual unit.

The 1955 Packard Clipper bodies featured wraparound windshields, hooded headlights, a new grille, and many exterior colors and upholstery choices. The 'high-pocket' design language of the entire 1955 Packard model range was penned by Richard Teague (now chief stylist at Studebaker-Packard Corp.), who later became head of design at American Motors.

The Clipper nameplate, first used in 1941, succeeded the Packard 200 series for 1953-1956 as Packard's entry-level model. The Caribbean Convertible remained the company's image leader and top-of-the-line model.

Pricing for the Packard Clipper began at $2,590 for the Deluxe Sedan and rose to $3,075 for the Clipper Custom Constellation Hardtop Sport Coupe. The Clipper Custom models had chrome wheel discs, fender skirts, and rocker panel moldings. The Constellation model did not have skirts, but rather a chrome molding on the fender openings.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016

CLIPPER: 'America's finest medium-priced car!'

Packard executives in 1955 wanted to promote and advertise the 'Clipper' as a separate line of cars. The Clipper name was used extensively with only 'Packard' appearing as a small script on the decklid. Even the grill emblem was no longer than the Packard crest, but was a new insignia shaped like a ship's wheel in line with the 'Clipper ship' concept.

The Clipper lineup of cars ranged from the Clipper Deluxe, the Super 4 door, the Panama, to the top of the line, Custom 4-door sedan and Constellation hardtop.

Other unique features of the 'Clipper' line were the 'Sore Thumb' taillights, smaller non-interchangeable wheels and tires, Autolite electrics and Carter carburetion vs. Delco electrics and Rochester carburetion on the Senior Packard line of automobiles.