Packard Convertible

[dan1]

                                          1942 Packard Clipper Convertible

 

        Custom Super Clipper Eight 180. Strong 356” engine, overdrive, working electromatic clutch, power windows, seat, and convertible top. AM radio, both heaters, chrome steering column, whitewalls and cloisonné hubcaps.

 

                          Certainly one of a kind, but not likely the factory prototype.

 

     A May 23, 1941 Packard or Briggs Body Company photo from the John Conde collection, shows progress toward the 1942 models. In the background is a sideview of a convertible with a quarter window. In the winter 93-94 Packard Cormorant a Richard Jones article on Packard design shows his re-touch of a postwar Packard convertible photograph and his statement, “In fact, such a car did exist, as a test mule.  I didn’t see it, but it must have been beautiful”

 

     We bought this car in the fall of 2019 from the widow and family of Kenney Price, the craftsman who built it. The Price family storied it indoors in dry Kansas since the late 1970's.

 

     The anti-theft number stamped on the right side of the firewall is 734173.  The body number 2125-2557 indicates that the cowl donor was the 557th of 5690, 1947 Custom and Super Eight Club (2door) Sedans built on the 127” wheelbase 21st series Packard.  The engine #E500149 was cast on 8/14/41, which means it was the 149th engine installed in a 1942 Packard,  We think the frame and engine came from the same 1942 Packard , but someone with an old frame specification book will be able to identify it for sure. 

 

    The engine starts easily, has 40 psi oil pressure, does not make any unusual noises, smoke or overheat.  The electro-matic clutch works properly, and the transmission shifts smoothly without any crunching or bearing noise.  The rear axle is quiet, and the brakes function but I’d certainly plan on changing all three brake hoses and rebuilding the cylinders. The window, seat and top switches all activate the hydraulic pump, but the lack of hydraulic oil keeps them from functioning. 

 

      The front seat will allow you to drive the car, but the entire interior needs replacement.  The top frame fits properly, but the rear header should be replaced before installing a new top.  The correct rear glass window and its chrome frame are in good shape.   The body is straight, the gaps are nice, and the doors, hood and trunk lid open and close properly.

 

      There are a several coats of Egyptian Sand lacquer on the body, but it will need additional work to finish properly.   The chrome and stainless trim are decent, but with fresh paint and a new top, they should be polished and re-chromed to finish the exterior properly.  Please email danshan1@att.net for more images, then telephone 209 531-3095 in Northern California for an honest description of any details.

 

 

 

 

[suchan]

Gorgeous!

It looks like there's some variation in the paint color, especially the driver door; to a lesser extent, the hood. Maybe my monitor's fault?

Not that I can afford it, but did I miss the asking price?

Good luck with the sale.

[Ozstatman]

Over on the PAC For Sale Forum it's listed as $34,500

[dan1]

4 hours ago, suchan said:

Gorgeous!

It looks like there's some variation in the paint color, especially the driver door; to a lesser extent, the hood. Maybe my monitor's fault?

Not that I can afford it, but did I miss the asking price?

Good luck with the sale.

 

[dan1]

Actually, the entire front clip appears to have a little more paint of a slightly different color on it.     

 

$34,500.   I'd consider financing it if that will help,  

 

Would you like me to send more photos to tempt you further?

 

Did you drive the Cadillac on the CCCA tour into Vancover last fall?

 

Daniel

[West Peterson]

I love this project car. I'd love to own it and complete it. Do you have any idea where the top mechanism came from?

In regard to the thought that the chassis and engine are original to each other, that would almost be a Holy Grail in the 1942 Packard Clipper world. To date, I think just two or three of those cars are known to exist.

[58L-Y8]

We analyzed the origins of this 1942 Clipper convertible creation on this PackardInfo topic:

http://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=22711&forum=16&post_id=219109#forumpost219109

[dan1]

 

     The anti-theft number stamped on the right side of the firewall is 734173.  The body number 2125-2557 indicates that the cowl donor was the 557th of 5690, 1947 Custom and Super Eight Club (2door) Sedans built on the 127” wheelbase 21st series Packard.  The engine #E500149 was cast on 8/14/41, which means it was the 149th engine installed in a 1942 Packard,  We think the frame and engine came from the same 1942 Packard , but someone with an old frame specification book will be able to identify it for sure.

 

Daniel

[John_Mereness]

Perhaps someone could tell you how to truly identify the frame as either a 42, 47 Custom & Super Eight, or even a 1948 Custom Convertible - there has to be a number or a .... on it that allows series identification - I personally believe it key to the success of their build for structural rigidity reasons, as well as serious detective work needed as to how the entire build was done.