1954 Clipper Deluxe

Car information

This car is the seventh Packard I have owned and is one of two I currently own. I purchased it from the original owner / importer in 1987 and drove to Perth and back in 1988 to attend the 21st birthday celebrations of the Studebaker Car Club. The car is on full registration and has been on the road continuously since 1954. Since purchasing it my wife and I have enjoyed attending a variety of events in every mainland state except the Northern Territory and events in Tasmania and Kangaroo Island. The 1954 year model was the last of the straight eight side valve engines and Ultramatic transmissions, the horsepower was 165 hp from 327 cubic inches coupled to a single speed convertor lock up transmission. Generally a reliable vehicle, however like many older cars it suffered from overheating when driven in slow moving traffic on hot days. I have rectified this problem by modifying the cooling system adding a six bladed fan, a shroud or cowl and a coolant recovery system and radiator neck and cap. It now runs cool under any conditions. Other modifications to this vehicle include radial ply tyres, power assisted brakes, tow bar, day/night interior mirror, twin outside mirrors, 12volt electrical system including alternator, electric wiper/washers electric fuel pump, tinted windscreen, CD, am/fm radio. Making it a pleasure to drive.