'55 or '56?

[55PackardGuy]

Here's a question for the Packard V8 crowd:

What in your opinion are the pros and cons of the 1955 vs the 1956 Packards? I have a sentimental attachment to the '55s because my family owned three of them. They're great cars, yet the '56 models had some improvements, and I really like that there was greater distinction in styling between the Clippers and the "Senior" cars in '56. You could really see Packard was moving to make the Clipper its own separate line. And the hardtop Executive has been a favorite of mine as a unique model, with the style of the big cars and the leaner construction (and tail lights!) of the Clippers.

So, both esthetically and mechanically, which model year would you favor if you were looking to purchase one?

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

56's, especialy LATE 56's had numerous eng'ring refinements. So if it was mid 50's all over again then i would lean toward 56. BUT, all of that is vain because it is NOW 50 years later. The major consideration today is CONDITION of the car u are buying and price. I'd much rather have a 55 Pat or Clipper in nice original condition even if its not running than a 56 Carib that is a ground up resto case.

55 or 56????? If u are starting out with your first Packard then go for the biggest bang for your buck. Thats what i do. In my case it just so happen to be an Executive. I was just lucky. But then again there are those who post in here that have 400's and Caribs. THEY ARE alot luckier.

OR, to put it another way, Its all a matter of half luck and half skill. Too much of one and not enuf of the other will make any man a looser. Get the right balance and he's a winner every time. So it really does not matter if its 55 or 56.

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

One more thing. There seems, believe it or not, enuf variation between jr and Sr as well as 55 and 56 that what ever u start out with will probably be what u need to stay with unless u have infinately expandable storage space and at least $500/year that ucan set on the shelf in terms of spare parts. I spend at least $500/yr just gathering spare parts that i run across here and there just in case i need them. I have ONLY the Executive. I'm willing to add preferably a 56 Sr to my collection but will not refuse ANY 55 or 56 depending on price/condition. SO, price and condition should be the deciding factor and not sentiment. Organizing peripheral parts and other items are considereation too when u start mixing up years and models.

[Guest Randy Berger]

I prefer 56, because of the improvements in the tranny, the bigger engine, the needed improvements in the TL system. I also think the 56 with the distinctive front fenders just looks better.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

I also prefer '56. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

What many people getting their first vintage car, of any type, don't realize, is that if you are going to drive it regularly, you really need a couple of parts cars, to keep the one good car going.

[Guest imported_Packards1]

Go for the best condition car that you can afford. Paying a little more up front may save money,time and grief in the long run. With that said, there is nothing sexier (well almost) than a 56 Clipper two door hardtop unless it is a 56 Packard 400 or Caribbean conv.

[Guest Albert]

Really any of caribbean conv I would take, still looking for my 54 though.

[WCraigH]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go for the best condition car that you can afford. Paying a little more up front may save money,time and grief in the long run. </div></div>

Great advice! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> That's was the deal with my 55 Pat. Maybe the 56 is slightly better looking because of the headlight eyebrows, but not much. I've had many people exclaim how great looking is my 4dr Pat. That's true. So is a 56 Pat. The 56 Exec and Clipper are super looking also.

Hey, this question has no answer! Both 55 and 56 are terrific compared to anything else extant.

[55PackardGuy]

Thanks for all the great info and useful replies! It's interesting that there is so much consensus among the V8 enthusiasts, and no significant gripes about any particular model or style of these cars. I concur, there are none of the '55 or '56 Packards that I don't like! Although I like some better than others.

With one exception: it has to have Torsion Level suspension. That's an area where I don't want to compromise, and this has led to some frustration. I'll see a really nice '55 Clipper for a decent price, but then I discover it doesn't have TL. To me, it's just not a "real" V8 Packard without TL. I don't recall anyone posting here who has a '55 with conventional springs, so I don't think I'm alone in this being a major criterion.

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

"I'll see a really nice '55 Clipper for a decent price, but then I discover it doesn't have TL. "

Tell me where they are. I'll buy one. need to have two Packards anyway. Drive one while working on the other.

It just doesn't pay to get your heart set on anything. Leave that trait to the People Magazine crowd.

How far are u from Mike Dulinski???

[55PackardGuy]

I'm about 150 miles from Duluth. Mike Dulinski could be a great resource for parts if I had a car, but I don't know about getting leads on cars from him. I've thought of asking about it at some point, though.

V8 cars show up in the collector publications and websites from time to time, especially '55s.

I don't think I'm being unrealistic holding out for a TL equipped car, as such a large percentage of the V8 cars were built with it. Would you consider a '55 without TL? One that I remember seeing some time back was priced at $7000 or thereabouts. It looked very nice and included enough detail in the photos to make a pretty good judgment on that. I was interested enough to inquire specifically about the TL--no dice.

The '55 and '56 Packards are unique and special cars, but what I think makes them <span style="font-style: italic">very</span> special and sets them apart from other cars of <span style="font-style: italic">any</span> year or make is the Torsion Level suspension.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Yes, I agree, the TL is the Only way to go, and So Much Fun! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The girls really get a kick out of it going up and down. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest AlK]

While Mike is a great source of parts supply, he also knows/comes across cars that can be restored. He stays away from them because they are to good to part or they are to expensive to buy as he is a dealer and must make money. I have a line on a 1956 Patrician that is in Florida. It is in decent shape, runs and drives but does not stop. The car is no more than a #4- It is butterscotch and white. Rust is minimal but there. I have some photos that I could mail to you. Florida is a bit far, but I think I could make some arrangements and work something out. I am trying to get $3500/obo for it. It is a push button trans.

[55PackardGuy]

Location is a consideration, as is storage! Right now I've got a car squatting in my garage that has to go first. It's very tough to sell a car in winter around here--especially a performance car that's not even insured in the snowy months. I'm thinking Spring will be the earliest opportunity for me to make headway on this. Good luck on the Pat! The '56 is a very sleek car. It would be nice to see some pics, but don't go to a lot of trouble. Post them here on the forum if you can.

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

What kind of performance car????

[55PackardGuy]

Chevy-haters beware! An '89 IROC Camaro, 5.7 TPI, T-Top with just about every option. Very Black and Very Shiny! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

Chevy hater?????? Chevrolet is the WORLD standard by which ALL,ANY and EVERY other car is judged INCLUDING Packard. Past, present, future, production or otherwise. Amen and Amen.

[55PackardGuy]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chevy hater??????</div></div>

PackardV8, I just re-read my previous post and I think maybe you thought I was referring to you, but I meant that as plural "Chevy haters" in deference to a few who disparage that make a bit from time to time. This reminds me of something: I really can't think of a major American make of car that I "hate" across-the-board. I think there are worthy examples of <span style="font-style: italic">every</span> marque, and some real clunkers from each of them too. I've owned GM, Ford, and Chrysler products and found some likeable traits in them all. I've never bought anything that I considered a clunker or that I was embarassed to be seen in. I will somewhat sheepishly admit that the only new cars I've owned were Ford products, both rear-drive V8s, an '84 Mercury Capri and a '95 Thunderbird. The reason was that they seemed to be the only new cars in my price range at the time that met those criteria: V8, rear drive, and also 2-door. In fact, the Thunderbird was the only American car of that era except the Corvette that included this powertrain along with independent rear suspension.

The Camaro is also rear drive V8, but I doubt I would've considered it new in '89 due to price. I think I got the most value and the best overall vehicle in my '96 Dakota 4x4 V6 bought used in '99 for $11K. The thing still lists for around $6K and is a very versatile unit with the stretch cab.

I guess I tend to look at the features and styling of the car or truck rather than having blind loyalty to a manufacturer. Except I really can't bring myself to buy a foreign badged vehicle, even if it's U.S. made. I'm not putting them down, but I have a definite preference for American brands, especially if they're manufactured here.

Back to '55 and '56 Packards, one key feature that both model years share is the wonderfully clean dash and gauge layout. Whoever designed that should have gotten an award! I think it was an inspiration for the symmetrical Pony Car dashes of the '60s, and not unlike the Corvette as well.

[joe kastellic]

I have to agree with the other guys, 56 is the way to go, they have all the right factory updates that make the 56's a little less trouble prone, and little better quality control , but if you are able to buy the right 55 go for it!!