1955 Packard Clipper Deluxe

4dr Sedan

8-cyl. 320cid/225hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$9,900*

+5.3%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$2k$4k$6k$8kJan 2025
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1953-1957 Packard Clipper stats
Highest sale
$74,250
Lowest sale
$3,600
Most recent sale
$12,600
Sales
68

Photos

1 photoImage may not reflect selected vehicle.

1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama 2-Door Hardtop
insurance

Protect your 1955 Packard Clipper from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

When the Packard Clipper returned in 1953 after a five year absence, it replaced the entry-level 200, and joined the Cavalier, Mayfair, Caribbean, and Patrician. The Clipper line was divided into standard and Deluxe trims, with the former carrying a 288-cid, 150-hp straight-eight, and the latter being equipped with a 160-hp, 327-cid eight-cylinder engine. The Deluxe also carried more upscale trim and convenience features. A two-door club sedan and a four-door sedan were available as either standard or Deluxe models, while a Sportster coupe could be ordered to standard spec. Prices ranged from $2,500 to $2,800, and more than 60,000 were built.

The Packard Clipper line remained mostly unchanged for 1954, and sales dipped to 30,000 as most other manufacturers rolled out revised models. Horsepower on the 327 did increase to 165, and the Sportster coupe became a Deluxe model. A Super line was also added to the Clipper, which included more exterior brightwork and interior luxury items. Lastly, a Panama hardtop was added to the Packard Clipper line, and it instantly became the most expensive Clipper model at $3,100.

Packard significantly altered the Clipper line in 1955 with a new design, new powertrain, and a new chassis. The car’s front was radically different, with a mesh grille, revised bumper, and a wraparound windshield. Mechanically, a 12-volt electrical system was adopted, a new torsion bar suspension was installed, the Ultramatic transmission was enhanced, and a V-8 replaced the straight-eight engines. Deluxe, Super, and Custom trims defined the Clipper line, with the first two carrying a 225-hp, 320-cid V-8 with two-barrel carburation, and the latter using a 245-hp, 352-cid V-8. A Custom version of the Panama hardtop joined the ranks, and was called the Constellation.

Sales plummeted in 1956 after problems with the new V-8 and the torsion bar suspension were reported, and only 29,000 cars were sold. Base lines were the Clipper Deluxe and Super, while the Custom gained an Executive sub-series. The Deluxe and Super had a 240-hp, 352-cid V-8, while the Custom sported a 275-hp version of the same engine.

Financial strain whittled the Packard lineup down to only the Clipper name in 1957, and was essentially a Studebaker President. Fewer than 5,000 cars were sold in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a four-door station wagon. The same situation recurred in 1958 with a wholly new design, only the models were now simply called Packards. By the end of the year, Packard had manufactured its last car.

The Clipper is an interesting line to follow, with some postwar cars at the very top of Packard quality. The 1955 and 1956 cars are particularly handsome, and usually carried bright “Easter egg” colors. Trim can be hard to find, though, and the torsion-bar suspension can sometimes be a problem. A common alteration for 1955 models is to upgrade the engine to 1956 specifications, which can be desirable.

Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1955 Packard Clipper Deluxe can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $9,900 for a 1955 Packard Clipper Deluxe in good condition with average spec.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.