1946 Packard Custom Super Clipper 7 Passenger Sedan

Description

You are bidding on an original, unrestored 1946 Packard Custom Super Clipper 7 passenger sedan. This is the same body as the limousine, without the divider window. The wheelbase is a sizable 148". Overall length is longer than a new Cadillac Escalade EWB.
This particular car came from the Harrah's Collection some years ago. The mileage is 39,974 and believed to be original. Bill Harrah only collected great cars and this must have been, to him, in great unrestored condition.
She retains all of her original patina, which I prefer in a classic car. How many do you see that are unrestored? One of the newest and hottest classes at major car shows is the "Preservation" Class. Only unrestored cars can make it into this category. There is a fascination to a car that possesses its factory original workmanship. It gives you a true look into the year; 1946.
Only two years after the end of WWII, the American public had a pent up demand for a new car. Yet, because the American car manufactures had committed all resources to the war effort, there wasn't any time available to design, develop and produce a truly new car. All 1946 and 1947 automobiles were effectively "warmed over" 1942 designs. New chrome, new grill (same size) etc, and they could sell it as a new car. The American public understood the problem and happily bought the 1942 "looking" cars.
Here is where it gets sticky for Packard. Part of our war reparations and war gains was shared with our two major allies; Britain and Russia. Part of the agreement was that Russia would get the 1942 Packard "top of the line" body bucks and everything required to manufacture a full size Packard, which Russia did under the name of Zil. So, in Russia after the war, you could buy a brand new ZIL, which was, in fact, our 1942 Packard Senior Series automobile.
With no time left to design or manufacture a completely new car, Packard elevated its mid size Clipper (before the war); to a Senior car using the prewar Clipper bodies. What was once a midline Packard before the war became the senior series after the war. And the car sold very well. Yet, not nearly as well as GM and Ford models.
Still, it was a prestigious Packard with the silky smooth 359 cubic inch straight eight engine with nine main bearings. Torquey and with 165 horsepower, the car competed well with Cadillac but Caddy's V8 was much more preferred by the American buyer.
Driving this Packard is a rush and a taste of automotive technology mediately following the war. Which is to say, very different. The motor is very smooth, the clutch takes up very lightly and this massive 5,500 lb car starts rolling. It's a three on the tree manual gearbox, which is also a fun experience. Finding reverse is also enlightening.
We've redone the brakes, bled the lines, added one new caliper (the others worked fine) and made the brakes work fairly well. Remember, she's a 1946 automobile with no power brakes nor steering. Braking is not her strong suit.
I ordered all new side glass from Fred and Dan Kanter @ Packard Industries, but have not installed them (they do come with the car). I also found, online, several trim pieces, such as the chrome surrounds that outline the from vent windows (they, too are included).
The jump seats fold out nicely, and the rear seat is a place of real opulence. The car, with its extended wheelbase, looks much better than the regular sedan, in my opinion. The extended body was crafted by The Henney Motor Company, of Freeport, Illinois. She is full "full classic" by The Classic Car Club of America, eligible for tours and many shows that require such a designation. in fact, this is, by far, the least expensive car that is CCCA accredited and allows you into club events. Frankly, it's a bargain, because it hasn't been truly recognized by the collector's market - yet. I say - yet, because as other certified classics continue to rise in value, so too will the Packard Custom Super Clipper.
So, it's a good time to invest in it. Buy low, sell high.
The engine was completely rebuilt. There is no oil leaks, oil burning, valve clatter, etc.. This is a monster of a motor to remove and rebuild, worth approximately $10,000 in parts and labor. Buy the car, get the motor for free.
The electrical system is, as you might guess, 6 volt. She cranks slow, but fires right up. The starting button is directly below the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch and she starts.
Windows are of the crank variety. The radio is included but not yet mounted in the dash and may need repair.
The tires are fine, but the whitewalls are "portawalls". I don't like the look of a classic car with blackball tires. This is a cheap way to make it look like whitewalls.
The interior has great patina. The front seat is in great condition as is the rear. The rear package shelf could be redone and the door panels could also be recovered, but then, she wouldn't be a survivor. I recall showing my unrestored 1947 Delahaye at St. John's a few years back next to an unrestored pre-war Minerva. Everyone at the show had to touch that darn Minerva - as if to transport them back to 1931. It was a beautiful, if not well worn, classic.
The outside of my Packard is two tone, burgundy over black and has some heavy peeling on the hood and roof. My assumption is that the car was painted at one point in its life, but I cannot attest to it.
She is an imposing automobile and is as long as a new Cadillac Escalade LWB. So, remember this length if you want to store her in a garage. I store her inside, of course. But I have a large garage.
The car is rust free - outside of minor rust around the window trim as noted. The stainless trim, is of course, in fine condition. The hood ornament is present and in good condition.
I have too many projects and too little room. Someone needs to own this car and take her to shows exactly as she is. It's a big hit wherever it goes, to shows or simply shopping with the kids.
Selling at NO RESERVE above the modest starting bid.
The car is being sold as-is, where-is and I cannot store her very long after the sale. The deposit is non refundable. Also, a winning bid is a contractual obligation, not a starting point to negotiate. Don't waste my time. If I don't receive full payment in 7 days, I'll relist the car and you'll lose your deposit.
However, I encourage inspections or requests for more photos, I can even video the car for you.
Make these requests prior to bidding or winning. At my asking price, this is a no brainer of a purchase - it's a Certified Classic Car. Not a wannabe.
Good Luck Bidding.