“Parts Bin Specials” are common in the automotive world. Companies generally create them out of existing production parts to produce a limited edition or premium version of an existing model. Less common is a manufacturer’s need to utilize this process to create an entirely new model, but that is what Packard did in 1957 with its Clipper models. This strategy proved a matter of necessity, as the company’s bank account hovered in that uncomfortable zone between “very little” and “zilch.” The station wagon version carried the Country Sedan badge, with only 869 examples rolling off the line. Our feature wagon is one of them, and its overall solid nature and complete status make it a prime candidate for a restoration project. Adding to its appeal, its original supercharged V8 engine should offer class-leading performance when it returns to active duty. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the seller has listed the Clipper for sale here on Craigslist. Potential buyers need only hand the seller $7,000 to take this one away. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Roger for spotting this wonderful wagon for us.

The 1957 Clipper represented an amalgam of parts from both its own warehouse and Studebaker’s. The basic body and frame structure was derived from the Studebaker President but utilized distinctive Packard components, including the front bumper, taillights, wheel covers, and interior trim. Our feature Country Sedan wears its original paint in a combination of Tiara Gold Metallic and Arctic White. The paint sports a matte appearance which is typical for aging paint from this manufacturer, but a repaint would not be a significant undertaking. The panels have accumulated a few dents and marks, but there’s nothing beyond repair. One factor that is always worth considering for any Packard or Studebaker from this era is the presence of rust. That may not be an issue with this Packard. It looks to have spent its life split between California and Nevada, with both states possessing climates conducive to preserving classic steel. The seller doesn’t mention any problems, and there is nothing visible in the supplied photos beyond surface corrosion. Most of the trim is present, although a few pieces may require restoration. The tinted glass looks okay, but the buyer will need to replace the cracked windshield.

If any aspect of this project is likely to prove a challenge to the next owner, that honor could fall to the interior. The seller indicates the car is complete, suggesting items like the door trims could be among the parts sitting in this wagon’s cargo area. The upholstered surfaces are beyond help, and since trim kits aren’t thick on the ground, the buyer may need to use the existing upholstery as templates to create new trim. I’m unsure whether the correct cloth and vinyl are available, but the buyer should find something pretty close if they exercise patience. The most challenging item to reproduce will be the dash pad. These components were the most prone inside a Clipper when exposed to harsh UV rays, and this one shows the typical deterioration. Nobody produces reproduction pads, so the buyer may need to smile nicely at an upholsterer to have one fabricated.  The wheel is cracked, and corrosion is bleeding through. If the buyer can’t locate a replacement, cutting away the cracked sections, treating the rust, and repairing the rim with epoxy could be a viable alternative. The Packard is a luxury car, so it’s no surprise to find this wagon sporting power windows and a power front seat.

If the company had the means to create the 1957 Clipper from a blank sheet of paper utilizing the drivetrain configuration found in this car, they could have been onto a winner. The engine bay houses a 289ci Studebaker V8 complete with a belt-driven McCulloch supercharger designed to pump up to five pounds of boost. Bolted to the V8 was a three-speed Flight-O-Matic transmission, and with 275hp available under the driver’s right foot, this was a fast wagon in its day. It could storm the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds before winding its way to 113mph. The seller indicates that the Clipper is mechanically complete, but somebody dismantled the motor to check that all was healthy. This process revealed the engine block, crankshaft, and cylinder heads were in good order. The buyer will need to tackle a rebuild, but that should return the V8 to its best.

Given its overall completeness and apparent lack of rust, the asking price on this 1957 Clipper Country Sedan looks pretty competitive. The low production total means that they rarely appear on today’s market. When they do, it isn’t unusual for prices to climb beyond $40,000. If the next owner completes this restoration with a careful eye on spotless originality, the figure could rise close to $60,000. When you factor in the asking price, this project shows promise. However, is that enough to make you consider pursuing it further?