Lot No: 305
1956 Packard Patrician Sedan
Chassis no. 5682-3524
Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000, ¢'š 6,000 - 8,400
Footnote:
From its inception in 1899, Packard had forged a reputation for building cars of exceptional quality that evolved relatively slowly, a strategy that suited its position in the marketplace as a maker of high-priced, exclusive automobiles. After WW2 however, that market began to change; frequent re-engineering and annual styling facelifts became the norm as buyers became ever more fashion conscious. And while the USA's 'Big Three' motor manufacturing corporations - Ford, General Motors and Chrysler - could afford frequent re-tooling, independent Packard simply did not have the necessary resources. Unable to satisfy the public's insatiable appetite for new designs, Packard lost ground to its chief rival, Cadillac and by 1951 had slumped to 16th in the motor manufacturing league table. Nevertheless, there was an all-new line-up for 1951, albeit one that still lacked a modern overhead-valve V8 engine.
For 1954 Packard introduced a trio of luxury sports models - the 'Packard Line' ¢'œ comprising a hardtop coupe, convertible and custom convertible, all of which were favoured with a new nine-bearing 359ci (5.9-litre) straight-eight engine. However, by this time even Packard could no longer ignore the need for a V8, which duly arrived the following year. Mildly restyled, the '56 Packard Line comprised the Patrician four-door sedan and Four Hundred two-door hardtop coupe, both of which came with the new overhead-valve V8 engine in its 374ci (6.1-litre) 290bhp incarnation. Sadly, it was a case of 'too little, too late': the Packard Line was discontinued after 1956 and the company itself lasted just two more years, its final models being re-badged Studebakers.
Representing the company's top-of-the-range four-door model in its ultimate incarnation, this last of the true Packards has the renowned 'Ultramatic' transmission and is finished in pink over white with black and white interior. There are no documents with this Lot, which is offered without reserve. It should be noted that while the car runs well the brakes are not working.
Contact the Specialist to discuss this lot or selling in a future sale
Bonhams Auction - Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia
Oxford, 3 Mar 2012 at 12:00
Viewing 2 Mar 2012 12:00-17:00 Oxford
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