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Americana Festival Auction - Cars
Americana Festival Auction - Cars
Description
1954 Jeep M170 Military Ambulance
Lot # 27 (Sale Order: 26 of 36)
1983 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Limited
Lot # 28 (Sale Order: 27 of 36)
1996 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Lot # 29 (Sale Order: 28 of 36)
1981 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Lot # 30 (Sale Order: 29 of 36)
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML350
Lot # 31 (Sale Order: 30 of 36)
2004 Chevrolet Corvette
Lot # 32 (Sale Order: 31 of 36)
1995 GMC Conversion Van
Lot # 33 (Sale Order: 32 of 36)
2000 Ford F-150 XLT Harley Davidson Edition
Lot # 34 (Sale Order: 33 of 36)
1993 Cadillac Allante
Lot # 35 (Sale Order: 34 of 36)
1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama Hardtop
Lot # 36 (Sale Order: 35 of 36)
It is a truly bitter irony that, by 1955, Packard was slipping into oblivion following its merger with Studebaker, just as its best-ever postwar models debuted. All Packard models now featured an innovative front and rear torsion-bar suspension system with automatic leveling, making the 1955 Packards some of the smoothest-riding and best-handling full-size cars of the era. Reportedly, the advanced engineering of the 1955 Packard lines reportedly even forced Chrysler back to the drawing board to rethink its own “Torsion-Aire” design. A pair of modern and powerful OHV V-8 engines also debuted with 1955 Packards, displacing 320 and 352 cubic-inches with robust 225- and 275-horsepower ratings, respectively. In addition, Packard’s Ultramatic automatic transmission was updated with a locking torque converter, offering the traditional economy and performance of a manual unit with the smoothness and ease of operation of an automatic. Stylistically, the “high-pocket” design language of the entire 1955 Packard model range was fresh and modern with crisp lines penned by Dick Teague, who would later go on to acclaim as American Motors’ head of design. The Caribbean Convertible continued as Packard’s image leader, while the Clipper nameplate, first used in 1941, succeeded the Packard 200 series for 1953-1956 as Packard’s entry-level models intended to compete directly with DeSoto and the “junior” Hudson models, plus Mercury and Oldsmobile. Initially offering just two- and four-door sedan bodies in Special and Deluxe trim levels, the Clipper line included an expanded model line by 1955, comprising Deluxe, Super and Custom trim levels, plus the Super Panama and Custom Constellation hardtops. Offering Packard quality and image at a reasonable price, the Clipper line sold briskly, yet represented only a small fraction of sales in the highly competitive mid-market, with 8,039 Clipper Deluxe, 14,995 Super and 15,380 units produced for 1955. Of them, just 2,776 Clipper Super Panama hardtops were built that year. Finished in period-appropriate salmon and white paint over an inviting two-tone interior trimmed in gray and white upholstery, this 1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama hardtop is a rare example of these later-production models from Packard’s last few years as an independent manufacturer. In addition to a desirable Packard Ultramatic automatic transmission, this 1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama hardtop is equipped with pushbutton radio, heater/defroster, power brakes and useful instrumentation plus an electric clock housed within an attractive brushed aluminum dash panel. The engine compartment is driver quality, yet honestly presented and properly equipped and the trunk is carpeted and fitted with a spare wheel and tire. While a driver quality example, this 1955 Packard Clipper Super Panama hardtop provides a rare, yet budget-friendly entry point into Packard ownership.
1972 Triumph TR6 Roadster
Lot # 37 (Sale Order: 36 of 36)
While Standard-Triumph enjoyed strong success of its TR2 and TR3 sports roadsters, the company was at a crossroads by 1955 with the sudden departure of its lead stylist. Salvation came by way of a chance meeting between Harry Webster, Triumph’s Technical Director, and young stylist Giovanni Michelotti, who had already created a sensation with his many forward-looking designs penned for Italian coachbuilder, Vignale. Shortly thereafter, Michelotti produced a finished TR prototype for Triumph within just three months, before restyling the company’s Vanguard and designing the new Herald. Next, Michelotti designed the TR4 for Triumph, which debuted in 1962 and was quickly followed by the TR250, which also introduced a new torquey, yet incredibly smooth inline six-cylinder engine. Retaining body-on-frame construction and powered by the six-cylinder engine of the outgoing TR250, the new TR6 debuted in January 1969 with styling by Karmann of Osnabruck, Germany, featuring a dramatically revised frontal treatment and aero-efficient Kamm-style tail panel. The TR6 enjoyed immediate acceptance and strong demand from sports-car purists. In its road-test report, Road & Track magazine editors described the TR6 as a “…distinctive combination of qualities at a reasonable price,” praising its excellent engine, luxurious interior and easily operated folding top. Steady improvements applied to the TR6 were made in response to tightening emissions and safety regulations in the United States and when production ended in 1976, many enthusiasts regarded the TR6 as representing the end of the line for traditional British sports cars. The 1972 Triumph TR6 offered here was manufactured in November 1971. An original Paint Code 54 (Saffron) car with Trim Code 11 (Black) cockpit, this TR6 is offered in green paint over original tan upholstery. Equipped with a black convertible top, this TR6 rides on a set of Minilite-style wheels and the dual-carbureted ‘six’ breathes through dual exhaust outlets. An original-appearing owner’s manual is included. The gauges require reinstallation and following this work and a thorough review and servicing, this 1972 should provide miles of enjoyment on your favorite stretch of open road.