Vehicle Description
1955 Packard Patrician
A Patrician is defined as belonging to Noblemen or Aristocracy.
Definitely a high brow term, and in 1955 Packard produced 9,127 of
the Patricians by designer Dick Teague. The design was much like
the luxury liners of the day and made heavy use of chrome and two
toning. Sadly, this car model only lasted one more model year
through 1956, and then was replaced.
Gracing our various rooms are plenty of interesting and somewhat
rare examples of various classic cars, and this one is a nice
addition to the consignment collection. A bit of a barn find, with
its rusted door panels, missing side trimming pieces, and dulled
and pitted chrome trimmings for the bumpers and badges. An unusual
example with equally unique design elements that tried to set it
apart from the other offerings of the big 3.
Exterior
Jade Green bathes all the large steel panels on the lower part of
this car. All this is broken up by numerous chrome trimmings some
in poor condition, others looking good. A second color is
introduced on the roof in a Tourmaline Green hue. This carries
downward to the A, B and C pillars and also utilizes stainless trim
for the window surrounds...the windshield surround is missing. Up
front the "bat mobile-esque" headlights and bezels flank an angled
grille and large lower bumper sporting dual dagmars, all chrome and
no rubber tips. Turning the corner from the bumper, a wide trim
forms and runs through the door panel, and ending on the rear
quarter in a vertical faux air intake. On back dual cathedral
styled taillights form the back of the rear quarters, and float
above a rear bumper which creates an insert for these taillights,
and also a frame for the round tailpipes. The bumper is a bit faded
and shows signs of aging with minimal surface rust. Some badging is
also missing throughout.
Interior
A very interesting mixture of vinyl, fabric, carpet and metal
unfortunately it has been ravaged by water damage on the door
panels. The doors show toggles for power windows. Inside 2 bench
seats form the passenger compartment seating and are covered in
light and dark teal velour and matched together with piping. The
original dash is present, which is also two tone utilizing a gold
metal mesh punched panel, and surrounding Tourmaline Green. All the
instruments are in chromed bezels within the gold mesh and this is
fronted by an original two tone white and Tourmaline Green steering
wheel made of bakelite. Gauges and knobs are bit faded but retain
their original design from the factory including the radio insert.
Above is a beautifully preserved felt headliner nice and tight in
gray. Carpets are in tourmaline and show fading and some dry
rotting.
Drivetrain
A 352ci V8 topped with a single 4-barrel carburetor and backed up
with a 2-speed Twin Ultramatic automatic transmission with a rear
axle of 3.54 ratio is seen. This power plant sits within an
original engine bay and is unrestored with some peeling paint.
Undercarriage
A fine coating of surface rust is seen overall underneath and on
the X frame. Rockers are a little rough with some invasive rust,
and previous repairs noted. Torsion bars all around with level ride
capabilities makes up the self-leveling suspension. Power drum
brakes are on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
While the engine does turn over, we could not get it to start.
Suffice to say some elbow grease and TLC are in order here.
A barn find plus condition car with some invasive rust, decent
metal panels, chrome and unrestored engine bay. A rare survivor
with some work could be a truly valuable collector item. It has the
right lines, and design screaming Packard trying to stand alone
from the pack.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Please note, this vehicle does not come with a battery.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
