Image of 1957 Packard Clipper, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1957 Packard Clipper represents a poignant chapter in the storied legacy of American automotive history. Born from the prestigious Packard Motor Car Company, the Clipper was a luxury vehicle that echoed the grandeur of its lineage while facing an era of significant change. This model year marked the final use of the Packard nameplate, making it a bittersweet swan song for a brand synonymous with opulence and innovation. The Clipper's unique position as part of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation merger adds to its historical intrigue, serving as a testament to an industry in flux.

Design and Innovation

The 1957 Packard Clipper exuded elegance through its sweeping lines and bold chrome accents. Its exterior styling was a blend of modernity and tradition, with tail fins hinting at the space-age optimism of the late 1950s. Inside, passengers were treated to a cabin that prioritized comfort and luxury, featuring plush seating upholstered in premium materials. Technologically, it boasted advancements such as torsion-level suspension, offering a ride quality that rivaled its competitors. Color options ranged from deep blues to striking reds, with White Gold being a particularly popular choice. The sedan was the most iconic body style, though other configurations like wagons were available.

Historical Significance

The Packard Clipper's impact on automotive design was underscored by its blend of performance and luxury at a time when American consumers were increasingly valuing both. It set itself apart with features like the aforementioned torsion-level suspension and its attention to detail in craftsmanship. The Clipper's influence is seen in how luxury cars balanced power with comfort in subsequent decades.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1957 Clipper was powered by a V8 engine that propelled it to respectable top speeds for its class. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved with grace rather than aggression, befitting its luxurious demeanor. Handling was smooth, absorbing road imperfections with ease while maintaining composure on winding routes. Driving the Clipper was an auditory delight as well; the engine's purr was a symphony complementing the quiet cabin.

Ownership Experience

The Clipper found its niche among those who appreciated its dual role as both a daily driver and a show car. Maintenance and reliability were consistent with luxury vehicles of the time—demanding but manageable for those who valued its pedigree. While not designed for racing, it held its own as an elegant cruiser.

Fun Facts

Among its various claims to fame, the 1957 Packard Clipper is noted for being one of the last vehicles to bear the prestigious Packard nameplate. While not known for setting speed records or dominating sales charts, it has appeared in numerous films and television shows, adding to its cultural cachet. Criticisms often centered around its shared body components with Studebaker models, which some purists felt diluted the Packard prestige.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1957 Packard Clipper is a cherished piece for collectors, with values varying based on condition and provenance. Production numbers were limited as Packard wound down operations; estimates suggest that only a few thousand were made. As such, Clippers can be quite rare on the market. Values have generally appreciated over time due to their rarity and historical significance, with well-maintained examples fetching anywhere from mid-five figures up into six-figure territory depending on their originality and condition.

Conclusion

The 1957 Packard Clipper stands as a monument to an era of American automotive excellence that straddled two worlds—the past glory of Packard and the future direction of luxury cars. Its combination of style, comfort, and performance encapsulates what made Packard an icon in automotive history. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, owning a Clipper is not just about possessing a vehicle; it's about stewarding a piece of Americana into future generations.

1957 Packard Clipper Accelerator Pedal Pad. 1-7/8" X 9-3/8", Each-AP 16Accelerator Pedal Pad. 1-7/8" X 9-3/8", Each

1957 Packard Clipper Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1957 Packard Clipper Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high-BN 13Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high., with 3/8" I.D. Each

1957 Packard Clipper Door Bumper. 1-3/8" high X 2" wide X 1/2" thick. Each-DB 29Door Bumper. 1-3/8" high X 2" wide X 1/2" thick. Each

1957 Packard Clipper Trunk Bumper. 3/4" O.D., 5/8" I.D. Each-SB 74Trunk Bumper. 3/4" O.D., 5/8" I.D. Each

1957 Packard Clipper Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles-VS 7Rear Roll-up Window Seals, for Hardtops and Convertibles. For leading edge of rear quarter windows. Two pieces, 17-3/4" long. Pair

1957 Packard Clipper Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1957 Packard Clipper Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead-WC 4-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1957 Packard Clipper Flexible window sweeper-WC 5-96Flexible window sweeper. Made with black electro-plated steel. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.