1956 Packard Four Hundred Hardtop Coupe

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

“The greatest Packard’s ever built!” That was a bold claim for the company that had built some of the most luxurious and exclusive cars of the day with the famous tag line, “Ask the man who owns one.” But by 1954 they merged with Studebaker in an attempt to survive. Packard sought to redefine itself with strikingly new offerings for 1955 – 56, with their young designer Richard Teague giving the formerly frumpy cars handsome full-width grilles, wraparound windshields, “cathedral” taillights, and tri-color paint schemes. Power came from new 374 cu-in V8 engines backed by Twin Ultramatic automatic transmissions, and unique Torsion-Level self-leveling suspension produced some of the finest riding cars ever. It was a bold move for the struggling company. The Four Hundred Hardtop Coupe was Packard’s premium offering, but what was supposed to be the savior of Packard sold just 3,224 units in 1956.  

This Four Hundred carries the distinction of being one of the last top-line Packard automobiles built. How great was the 1956 Packard 400? Just ask the man who owns one. 

Highlights 

• Last year of true Packard automobiles 

• Striking Hardtop Coupe design 

• 849th out of 3,224 Four Hundred models produced 

• 372 cu-in V8 producing 290 horsepower 

• Twin Ultramatic two-speed automatic transmission 

• Torsion-Level Suspension 

• Paint Code MK two-color Dover White and Scottish Heather 

• Trim Code 86 Black Jacquard, Red and White leather 

• The chassis number (5687-1849) decodes as: 

  • 56 – Body number 5687 

  • 1849 – Sequential assembly number starting with 1000 

• Offered with 47,830 indicated miles; however, the true mileage is unknown   

Features 

• AM radio 

• Automatic temperature control 

• Power windows 

• Power brakes 

• Power steering 

• Suspension front: independent, longitudinal torsion bars, self-leveling 

• Suspension rear: live axle, longitudinal torsion bars, self-leveling 

• Brakes: front/rear drums 

• Tire Size: 8.00x15 inches 

• Wheelbase: 127.0 inches 

• Weight: 4,045 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• Generally good condition for a vehicle of this age; however, the car is reported to have been stored for 20 years and rarely used before that time. It is in good running condition, but additional work may be needed to make it safe and roadworthy 

Included 

• Owner’s manual 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Car cover 

• Virginia 1968 license plate  

Ownership History 

This 1956 Packard Four Hundred Hardtop Coupe is from the estate of a Wisconsin collector. An included 1968 Virginia license plate suggests the Packard may have been located there at one time, and a Service Record dated 3-14-1975 shows 44,243 miles, but no prior ownership history is known.