At Carlisle Johnny.com we love old Packards.Spotted in an Alabama junkyard is this 1947 Packard Clipper. The first series of the Packard Clipper was introduced in 1940 as a 1941 model.The first series was produced between 1941-1947. Its sleek shape was the first totally new car introduced by Packard in over a decade. Production of the 1941 model would be cut short by the attacks on Pearl Harbor and WWII. Packard would be a major player in war time production and would build some of the most proven 
airplane and marine engines. Packard was still realing from The Great Depression and the timing of Clipper series would prove to be a bad idea for Packard.Only 16,000 were produced in 1941. If Packard didnt get fat on huge government contracts during WWII they would of went bankrupt by 1942. By 1946 the new car starved country would purchase the Clipper in droves and Packard was once again in a good financial place. The Clipper was still ALL Packard. Riding on a 127 inch wheelbase it was known for its Packard quality and luxury ride. 
Clipper were known for the stlye and grace and would be over a foot wider and three feet longer than any offering from Ford. Powering the Clipper was Packard’s famous 356 cubic inch straight eight engine.Packard would do a re-style for model year 1948. Known as the “bathtub” Packards they would never have the style of The Clipper. Its makes us wonder if anybody would be brave enough to save this diamond in the rough from this Alabama junk yard.
Tag Archive: WWII
Aug
29
Relic Or Wreck..1947 Packard Clipper ..The Last Year For Packards Beautiful Pre-War Body Style
May
02
What Auto is This?? An Independant Make Enters The Low Price Field
This would be the last new body style for this car maker before World War II..But they would re-use it after WWII till 1949.The CEO of this inovative car company wanted to have a low price model to compete with Chevy and Ford. Forging into the low price field would prove to be a good idea but would never have as much sales success as its cross town rivals.Unlike the offerings from GM,Ford and Chrysler this frugal hulk was produced with unitized or uni-body contruction. 
A first in the low price field. in the USA.Uni-body construction was considered stronger and lighter than traditional body on frame construction but was never used due to high construction costs and Detroit car makers refusing to change to new and radical ideas This company was known for building high quality mid priced cars and its large car was a style and trend leader. Not to be done in the low price field its interiors were considered more plush and uptown then other offereing in the low price segment. 
For your money you got alot of car. Four body types were available. A sporty two door convertible.A stoggy four door sedan and a two door coupe. You could also get a two door fastback that would inspire GM’s Harley Earl to create a similar design for GM.Oddly no official station wagons were ever offered but a few factory were repoted to of been built.One carry over was the “flathead” six cylinder engine. Rated at 115 horsepower it was no drag racer but proved to be frugal and reliable. After WWII this automaker would make some of the USA’s more interesting cars but would eventualy become part of the automotive quagmire known as AMC. What Auto is This??
Apr
13
What Auto is This?? Tee And Crumpets Sedan From Jolly Ole England
To See What Auto Is This “Click” Here
This car company would make cars of all types between 1885-1984.Not known for its sedans it would gain fame for its spirited sports cars.This “sports sedan” was produced from 1933-1938 in many confusing versions. Body types included a four door saloon in two different wheelbases,a drophead (convertible) coupe, 2 seat sports tourer and a “golphers coupe” with a nifty storage for your clubs.During WWII those storage bins were used to carry weapons in case of a German invasion. 
Considered a mid priced automobile it came with a high priced interior consisting of wool rugs,burled wood trim and leather seating. Its styling was very 34 Ford-like. It was rumored that Ole Henry Ford stole some styling tips from it..or did they rob it from Ole Henry?? Knowbody knows for sure. While most of the cars of the days used mechanical or cable brakes this sporty sedan used full Lockheed hydraulic braking with large 12 inch drums. 
The four speed manual transmission could be fitted with a free wheeling type clutch that would allow for “clutchless” shifting. Engines would range from four cylinders to six. The smallest being a 1087 cc four and the largest a 1991 cc six with overhead intake valves and unusual side mounted exhaust valves. The suspension was a very unsporty leaf springs mounted front and rear. Despite its buckboard type suspension Englands “Motorcar” magazine called it a “Thrilling ride” This car company would continue on and make some of the most iconic sports cars of all time. Closing its doors in 1984 in a strange twist of fate this storied car maker is more popular after death than it was in life. What Auto is This??
Mar
21
What Auto is This?? Quiz 03/20/2011
This Frugal Sedan was built between 1950-1954. Its founder was known for making quality appliances as well as being The Father of Modern Shipbuilding during WWII. He also was one of the first industry leaders to install full health care and benefits for workers. He would say “A healthy and happy worker produces a quality product“ With his wealth from WWII he decided to go into the automobile businness. 
Seeing a need for a new car and inspired by smaller cars of Europe he wanted to make an economy car for the USA. Small by the standards of the day the smallish car was introduced to the car hungry US public in November 1949. The first cars off the assembly line were 132 cubic inch four cylinder models producing 68 horsepower on Labor Day 1950. The six cylinder models were 161 cubic inches producing 80 horsepower. 
Production of the “six” would start on July 4th 1950 “Very Patriotic” The founder of this company wanted to make a car for the masses like the Model T. To secure the funding for the project he had to secure loans from the US government. Thus the “Man” dictated the project. It would have to seat 5 people.Top speed had to be more than 58mph. MPG had to be better than 25mpg and had to be available for public sale by Sept 1950. No problem for “The Father of Modern Shipbuliding” 
Using the same method he used in building ships.The fewest components as possible. Early versions would not come with a trunk lid. Options were few and the cars were reliable and stout. Other items not included were glove box,passenger side sun visor and arm rests.The price for the base four cylinder model was under $1300.00 as per agreement with the US government. With all this low pricing and economy the car never caught on. For a few dollars more you could by a Chevy 150 with standard issue six cylinder and more comfort. Oddly in later years it would become a favorite of Hot Rodders due to its small size and quirky looks. “What Auto is This??
To see the answer and other answers to What Auto is This?? Quiz go to www.carlislejohnny.com or www.appraisal.carlislejohnny.com
Mar
02
What Auto is This?? Quiz for 03/02/2011
Ok gang this should be an easy one..but this time we need year,make and model. This year was the last for the pre WWII body types that were carried over in 1946. This maker was a best seller for years. These classic bodies were penned by Harley Earl in 1940 but the basic shape would carry on for years. The makers ad slogan was ”The Dollar Grin” slang for its large almost smiling grille. The upper class model would feature nice touches such as Broadcloth interiors and wood stenciled dashboards. The convertible would get leather seating.
Many body types could be ordered. Two and four door sedans. A two door coupe. The very rare wood bodied station wagon. The “Aero” was a fastback styled coupe with triple bar chrome going down each fender. Toping off the line was the convertible with optional power hydraulic top. You could opt for many options including the not standard Radio and Heater. Other options included very neat fender skirts, outside sunvisor, wheel trim rings or dozes of other chrome your world up add ons.
The only engine choice was a OHV six cylinder that basic design was around since 1929. It featured hard to machine “Babbit Engine Bearings” and Splash type oiling system. Horsepower was a blazing 90. The only transmission of choice was a three speed manual with a column shifter. The shifter used the very trouble prone “Vacuum Shifter” good when warmed up but needed the arms of Arnold Schwarzenegger when cold. This would be the last year for the Vacuum Shift as well as the foot starter pedal. What Auto is This??
Feb
09
Cars Seen In Port Jeff..
1974 Volkswagon Super Beetle. Anybody who is into old cars has had a VW Bug “experience”. My “Bug event’ involved a 1967 Java Green Coupe. A rusty floor, a brake pedal box and that same box dislodging itself from the floor. As with all Vee-Dub nuts you seem to come back for more torture. Mostly the reason must be these old Bugs have charm.
Unless you have been living in a cave you know the story of VW’s Classic Beetle. Starting life as “The Peoples Car” prior to WWII it would go on to become the biggest selling car of all time(before Toyota’s Corolla stole the crown) What alot of people dont know if it hadnt been for the efforts of the British Army after WWII to save the car and the factory the famous VW story never would of happened.
In the early 1950s VW’s were considered cult cars. It was a rare sight to see two at one time on the road.But the Little Buggy’s tough nature,charm and economy won over millions of fans. VW would continue to improve the Bugger over the years. In 1970 they introduced the 1600cc Dual Port Engine. In 1971 they introduced the Super Beetle. The thing that made it “Super” was Rack and Pinion Steering and Strut Front Suspension.
In 1973 the Super Beetle would get a curved windshield and some trim updates. The Beetle would stop being imported to the USA in 1979. It would still be produced for other countries till 2003. When production stopped over 21,000,000 were built !! The feature 1974 VW Super Beetle has many upgrades. The 1600cc engine has been enlarged to 1776cc. It is fueled by Dual Weber 40 IDF Carbs. The throaty exhaust is a quad pipe Monza. As with all classic Vee-Dubs if this one could talk Im sure it could tell some great stories. To see a cool vintage VW Roadtest click on the VW Repair Manual
Jan
16
What Auto is This?? ..Looks Like An Elephant Punched By A Rhino
This would be the end of the line for this once proud and innovative make.Producing some of the USA’s more interesting models from 1909 till its demise in 1957 it was named after a department store owner. It was a terror after WWII in the early days of NASCAR. Its post WWII models would be known for its “stepdown” body and lightweight construction. 
With its body inside the frame rails it gave it a low center of gravity that aided in handling and safety.These “stepdown”models would be one of the finest hours for this unique independent make. By 1955 it was part of the 1950′s debacle known as American Motors.The “stepdown” models would be replaced by dowdy overstyled glitz wagons that featured engines borrowed from other makes in the AMC family.So confused was the situation the 1955 model introductions were delayed till Jan.1955. 
The kiss of death in the car crazed 1950′s.By 1957 the end was near.In a last ditch effort to save the make stylist Richard Arbib slopped a tri-color re-do and designed what a car magazine of the day described as “Its looks like an elephant punched by a rhino” Even with the new 327 AMC V8 it would not survive past 1957. Sadly this once proud independent make would suffer the same fate as Packard and be gobbled up in the ”merger mania” of the late 1950′s. CLICK HERE TO SEE >>>> What Auto is This?? <<<< WITH A COOL CLASSIC TV AD
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