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Packard Clipper 5.3L GM Vortec V8 1953

General description : When you think the words 'different' and 'cool', what comes to mind? 'Cool' is easy for many folks, because there aren't many things cooler than traditional '50s Americana. 'Different'? Well, that's a little more difficult. As cool as tri-fives and Fairlanes are, they're pretty common and fairly mainstream. I mean, you could do an interesting variation of those cars, like the Nomad or the Skyliner. Or you could buy an oddball offering like the perennial Checker. Or you could pick up a classy and elegant cruiser like this incredible Packard Clipper! What's that you say? You're worried about parts and repairs? Well, in that case, it's nice to know that, during a detailed, ground-up restoration, this cool sedan was upgraded with a proven Vortec V8 and a reliable GM transmission. That settles it: if you're looking for a unique, world-class weekender, your classic has officially arrived!
BODYWORK/TRIM
A solid Southern Belle that has no problem charming judges, this pristine Packard is the beneficiary of a professional, body-off restoration that wrapped in 2008. The pros behind that selective rebuild were none other than Cookeville, Tennessee's Mid-Southern Restorations. Pure white 2-stage reflects Deluxe chrome trim that's been professionally re-plated. And that bright flash and quality pigment highlights distinctive, retro character which reminds us just how cool vintage metal can be!
According to Mid-Southern Restorations, this Packard was created when a customer wanted to 'build a brand new old family car' that was reliable enough for everyday road tripping. Naturally, since the car is relatively rare, its restoration included many NOS components. At the front of this sophisticated sedan, an intricate grille hangs tinted parking lamps between clear headlights that feature polished visors, and a polished bumper that features sculpted guards. At the sides of that grille, a pontoon profile centers Deluxe trim spears between a short antenna and small fender skirts. At the top of that profile, an early Packard hood topper leads fresh, stainless-framed glass that integrates chic door handles behind polished wipers and small mirrors. And at the back of the car, polished fins flow into fashionable tail lamps that illuminate an ornate trunk crest, a second guarded bumper and Packard-branded exhaust.
ENGINE
When it comes to the perfect blend of power, reliability and fixability, nothing beats a stalwart GM small block. With that in mind, it seems perfectly logical that this Clipper sports proven Vortec power. Lift the car's whittled hood and you'll find a lightweight aluminum V8 that was cast, assembled and installed in its original GMC host sometime in 2005. The smooth mill utilizes 5.3 liters of displacement to twist buff 9.5 to 1 compression into a spry 290 horsepower and 325 lb./ft. of rich torque. And despite consistently delivering spirited, low-end performance, it revs like a champ and drives like a commuter car! Up top, a custom-painted Chevy SSR shroud provides plenty of visual pizzazz. Out front, a Spectre filter cone feeds cool air into a fabricated tube that's cinched to a standard GM throttle body. At the sides of the block, GM exhaust manifolds ensure from-the factory performance stays from-the-factory reliable. GM plug wires join quality American Autowire wiring to ensure the car's 12-volt electronics communicate as they should. Dual electric puller fans cool a beefy radiator. And aesthetically, the compact mill seems right at home in the car's clean white engine bay.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Naturally, that modern powerplant precedes a modernized, road-ready chassis. Everything starts with a sturdy, factory-spec frame that traces solid, undercoated floors. At the center of those bones, a 4L60E 4-speed makes excellent use of a factory-spec axle. That road-ready pumpkin drives a fully rebuilt suspension, which mixes a factory rear-clip with a Heidts Mustang II front-half. Turns come courtesy of power rack-and-pinion steering. Solid stops are achieved with the help of a Heidts GM power front disc conversion. Aluminized exhaust pipes funnel spent gases through small cats and a throaty muffler. And all that proven hardware rolls on Wheel Vintiques wires, which spin 225/75R15 BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial whitewalls around polished Packard hub caps.
INTERIOR
The car's warm and welcoming interior looks straight out of boomtown, America, complete with tight vinyl, tasteful fabrics and carefully modified Classic Instruments telemetry. The red and white cockpit is centered on big Deluxe seats that feel soft enough to take a nap on. At the sides of those seats, 2-tone door panels hang power-operated windows behind correct chrome handles and glossy frames. At the bottom of those panels, 'Packard' branded floor mats protect fade-free carpet. At the front of the car, a stainless-trimmed dash centers direct-fit audio above Vintage Air climate control. In front of the driver, a classy steering wheel laps a unique turn signal stalk. And behind the cockpit, a fully carpeted trunk anchors a fifth Wheel Vintiques wire between rear air conditioning and a Custom Autosound CD changer.
AWARDS
* 1st Place at the 2010 Hunters Auto Expo in Nashville, Tennessee * 1st Place at the 2009 Hunters Auto Expo in Nashville, Tennessee * 1st Place at the 2008 Hunters Auto Expo in Nashville, Tennessee
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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
* A stack of build receipts * The aforementioned Hunters Auto Expo awards
If you're looking for some classic Americana that's much more exclusive than mass-market Chevys and run-of-the-mill Fords, this elegant Packard is a fantastic choice. Distinctive, reliable and lovingly restored, it's a lot of fun on the street OR at the show. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and schedule a visit!
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SUMMARY
* The beneficiary of a professional, body-off restoration * Winner of multiple national awards * Modern 5.3 liter GM Vortec V8 / 290 horsepower * GM 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission * Modern Air conditioning * Heidts Mustang II front suspension / Power rack-and-pinion steering * Heidts GM power front disc brakes * 15-inch Wheel Vintiques wheels * Modern audio * Sale includes build receipts and all the car's awards

https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/2822/1953-packard-clipper

1953 Packard Clipper 5.3L GM Vortec V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $49900.

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