When Packard resumed output after World War II , it debuted its Twenty - First Series cars , which would be work up for the 1946 and 1947 model year . The ten - manikin card get in four serial publication : Clipper Six , Clipper DeLuxe Eight , Super Clipper Eight , and – at the very top – the Custom Super Clipper Eight .
The last included two 148 - column inch - wheelbase simulation , seven passenger saloon and limo , plus the 127 - in - wheelbase Club Sedan and tour Sedan . The Touring Sedan listed at $ 3274 , but step up to $ 3449 during the model year .
It boasted Packard ’s largest engine , a 165 - bhp 356 - cubic - column inch straight eight with a nine - main - accept crankshaft and silent hydraulic valve lifters . The Custom Super Clipper sported distinctive interior trim , particular rug , broadcloth and leather upholstery , and imitation wood panelling .
Neil Torrence , from Arcadia , California , says his car was in the beginning sell on September 10 , 1947 , in Long Island , New York . It later migrated to Atlanta , and lastly to California . Equipment includes a Philco thrust - clit radio set with roof - mounted expanding antenna , Goddess - of - Speed hood ornament , special cloisonné and dove wings in place of a front license denture , heater , defroster , and overdrive ( " an out-and-out necessary for over-100 - miles per hour touring – which it will easily do , " say Neil ) .
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Neil ’s Packard also has an Electromatic clutch , which is identified by a ruby-red clutch bag foot lever . This vacuum - and - electric relay operated mechanism was offered from 1941 - 1950 , and eliminated only the motivation to apply the clench – the driver still had to shift gears .
The Custom Super Clipper was not often seen even when novel as only 5690 Club and Touring Sedans were build for 1947 . They were – and are – observe as top stage sumptuosity cars , having hit Milestone status with the Milestone Car Society and full classic status with the Classic Car Club of America ( CCCA ) . Neil ’s 99 - degree beaut ( with engine and physical structure number F520229 and 7879 ) is the last classic Packard have sex to exist . And as recipient role of the 1986 Paul Cerf trophy , it is only the second postwar Packard ever to bring home the bacon in CCCA Senior Class competition .
Neil ’s Custom Super Clipper , acquired in 1984 , has also been awarded CCCA National first place Primary , 1985 ; Best of Show , Post War , Packards International Grand Salon , 1985 ; and Best of Show , Packard Automobile Classics Annual Los Angeles Concours , 1986 .
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