1955 Packard Four Hundred Hardtop Coupe
Engine: V-8
Displacement: 352 Cubic Inches
Horsepower: 260 BHP
Cost New: $4,493
         James J. Nance, president of Packard Motors, wanted to roll out an all-new line of cars in 1954, but the company was short of time and money. Events like the purchase of Studebaker, which helped lead to the demise of Packard, and the sale of Briggs Manufacturing to Chrysler, who had been making all of Packard's bodies, led to the delay of the new designs intended for 1954. The all-new Packards were ready for 1955.
         Despite all the problems, the new Packards were technological marvels. The greatest development was the "Torsion-Level" system. A complex electrical and mechanical system enabled the suspension to correct for load weight and provided an extraordinarily smooth ride and handling despite its two-ton weight. Increased power, an improved Ultramatic automatic transmission and the Torsion-Leveling system, all gave the Packard a fast and comfortable ride. Styling changes like the "cathedral" taillights, peaked front fenders, an ornate grill and a wrapped windshield helped to separate the Packards from the rest of the pack.
         This particular vehicle is a true survivor, showing only 39,000 actual miles on the odometer. Everything on this car is original, and as it was when it was made.