Once a dominant force in luxury cars, Packard struggled after World War II. Poor management and a lack of new models led customers to Cadillac and Lincoln.
A merger with Studebaker in 1954 to fight the Ford-GM sales war backfired due to Studebaker’s financial woes. Packard’s Detroit plant closed in 1956, and the brand limped on with rebranded Studebakers until its 1958 demise.
This 1956 Packard Four Hundred, however, is a rare survivor from a bygone era. With only 28,835 Packards produced in 1956, finding one in pristine condition is a challenge.
This particular car boasts a factory-correct Dover White and Erie Green two-tone paint job, making it one of only 47 hardtops in this configuration a mere 1.5% of the total 1956 production.
Stepping inside a 1956 Packard Four Hundred reveals a luxurious haven that matches the car’s stunning exterior.
Lavished in a three-tone color scheme with pastel hues, the cabin exemplifies the elegance Packard offered to compete with top carmakers.
Powering this beauty is the original 374-cubic-inch V8 engine, a testament to the car’s well-preserved condition.
Packing 290 horsepower and paired with a two-speed automatic gearbox, this Packard delivers a smooth and powerful ride. But the surprises don’t stop there.