When mechanical engineer James Packard first started selling cars in 1899, he positioned the company in the upmarket luxury segment, with model pricing in the $2,000s as compared with competitors’ cars starting at $400 or less.
In the decades that followed, Packard continued to establish its foothold as a luxury marque and became a top-selling high-end brand by the 1920s. By the middle of the 20th century, the company’s offerings had diversified into multiple models, including a top-line “400.”
The Pick of the Day is a 1956 Packard Patrician listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Sacramento, California.
“Runs, drives, stops, merges with highway traffic speeds with no problem,” the listing states. “This car is a real head turner.”
Packard offered the Patrician for six years, naming it after a ruling class in ancient Rome. The label first appeared in 1951 to identify the 400 model, slotted as Packard’s highest trim level available at the time. A few years later in 1955, all Packards went through a redesign and received hooded headlight housings, a new grille and “cathedral-styled” taillights. The model’s last year arrived in 1956 when designers added even more dramatic peaks over the headlights and black-painted bezels.
During the midst of all this evolution, the Packard Motor Car Company joined forces with Studebaker, and the Packard nameplate was removed from the marketplace in 1959. The Studebaker-Packard entity in its entirety became defunct in 1966.
Mechanically, this Patrician has received attention to the power windows, brakes, tires, suspension and carburetor, according to the listing. The seller notes that the AM radio is inoperative, the dash clock is not working, and one of the blinker lenses is missing.
A 374cid V8 was the sole engine available for the Patrician during the 1955 and 1956 model years. The Twin-Ultramatic transmission has push-button controls, and the seller states that the gear shift mechanism was recently serviced.
“Car doesn’t need anything now except a new owner,” the listing concludes. “I have too many cars and simply have to sell a few.”
The seller is asking $18,000 for this high-end Patrician.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Should be able to walk into a Packard Dealership today and buy this beauty. What a shame that is not our reality.
I wonder if it would drive cross country. Wish I were adventurous enough to take the time to find out.
THE GOOD OLD DAYS, THOSE CARS ARE BUILT SOLID
I like me gusta good car for $18,000 do you have that car . Tienes el carro todavía
A beautiful car, and the face-on picture would do Stephen King proud. The car knows what it is, be prepared.
I am interested but I live in Puerto Rico. I can fly to your spot and drive to Fl. Can you inform me how much will it cost to get it home?