1957 Packard Clipper Country Sedan Restomod – Sold?

April 13, 2021 Update – While this ’57 Packard Clipper restomod “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, If you are serious about buying this one-of-a-kind restomod, you can start the conversation by texting Jessica (the daughter of the owner/builder) at (260) 908-5999 to confirm the car has sold. Good Luck with the purchase!

March 9, 2021 Update – After letting their last Craigslist ad expire on this very rare Packard Clipper restomod, we came across a fresh listing using the same pictures, description, and price.

February 17, 2021 Update – while this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.

January 20th, 2021 Update – Call it the holiday effect, but just when we assumed this 1957 Packard Clipper Restomod had been sold, we came across a new listing for the car using the same pictures and the same asking price of $25,900.

When you find a rare classic car where less than 900 were built originally, you are taking on a tremendous challenge if you decide to restore it.  That’s especially true if said car is not a complete example with its many hard-to-find and source parts still intact.  If the rare find is not complete, the next best alternative is to turn into a restomod that capitalizes on readily available modern components to replace and improve what may be impossible to find for the original car.  That must have been the situation facing the savior and builder of this very rare patina’d 1957 Packard Clipper Country Sedan still listed here on Craigslist in Auburn, Indiana equipped with many modern features and an asking price of $25,900. Researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the daughter of the builder has their Custom Clipper priced between this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $36,800 and its #2 “Good” appraisal of $23,500 for a stock example.  Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a second data point confirms this private seller has Packard priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $36,800 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $25,200.

By the mid-1950s, the Packard Division of Studebaker was on life support, so the company redesigned the Clipper line for 1955 with a new styling, powertrain, and a new chassis. The car’s front was radically different, with a mesh grille, revised bumper, and a wraparound windshield. Mechanically, 12-volt electrics were now standard, engineers developed a new torsion bar suspension and improved upon their  Ultramatic transmission, and two new V-8 engines replaced Packard’s dated straight-eight mills.

Unfortunately, news of quality problems with Packard’s 1955 redesign caused sales to decline substantially the following model year, with only 29,000 cars sold. Baselines were the Clipper Deluxe and Super, while the Custom gained an Executive sub-series.  Continued financial strain whittled the Packard lineup down to only the Clipper name in 1957, and was essentially a Studebaker President. Fewer than 5,000 cars were sold in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a four-door station wagon, of which less than 900 were produced.

While focusing on Packard’s Patrician model in this extended commercial, this 1956 Vintage video posted on the WheelsTV YouTube channel provides a glimpse into the company’s last-ditch marketing efforts:

With the original patina’d paint on a rust-free body hiding a modern 355 cubic inch V8, 700R4 automatic, and modern conveniences that include four-wheel power disc brakes and air conditioning, there is a lot to like about this Clipper that will more than likely be the only one you come across next year at any car show you drive it to.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Selling for my father,

Only 868 were built
355-V8 motor
700R-4 Transmisson
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
4 Wheel Power Disc Brakes
17” Wheels and Tires
S-10 Blazer Rear Axel 3.43 Gears
Air Conditioning
Am/FM Stereo with Aux Cord
New Custom Interior
Original paint job
No Rust Car
Clear title“

Do you have a Packard Clipper story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!