Summer Road Trip

In the summer of 1955 my family took the train from California to Detroit, MI to pick up this beautiful two-tone Turquoise and White 1955 Packard Clipper. 

Not visible is the dependable 352 cubic inch OHV V8 engine.  Astute observers will notice that even with all the luggage to accommodate a family of four for two weeks on the road packed in the trunk the car still sits somewhat level. That was in part thanks to the totally new for 1955 suspension, consisting of torsion bars front and rear, along with an electric load-leveler control that kept the car level regardless of load or road conditions.

It attracted attention wherever we went.  Often we'd return to the car from a restaurant or other attraction and there would be people alternately standing on then jumping off the bumper causing the electric motor to whir endlessly in its effort to maintain a level stance.  The crowd would disperse whenever my Dad gestured toward them and kindly suggest they immediately cease doing that.