1956 Packard 400 Hardtop: Luxury, Power, and Modern Reliability
Step into the pinnacle of mid-century American motoring elegance. For 1956, the Packard 400 stood as a masterpiece of senior-range luxury, sharing its iconic, pillarless two-door hardtop styling with the exclusive Packard Caribbean. This exceptional example blends jaw-dropping 1950s styling with thoughtful, high-end mechanical upgrades, making it a stunning show car that is thoroughly ready for the open road.
Key Highlights & Specifications
Engine: Rebuilt 374 cubic-inch V-8 producing 290 horsepower, paired with a high-volume oil pump conversion.
Transmission: Twin-Ultramatic 2-speed automatic with lock-up direct drive, rebuilt by marque expert Robert Aller.
Exterior: Striking, fresh body-on restoration featuring a sophisticated Scottish Heather and Dover White two-tone paint scheme and beautifully re-chromed bumpers.
Suspension & Ride: Revolutionary Torsion-Level suspension system, fully rebuilt and upgraded with a modern digital leveler control for an unmatched cloud-like ride.
Stopping Power: Upgraded modern front disc brakes and an electric brake booster from ABS Power Brake, Inc.
Thoughtful Upgrades for Modern Driving
While this Packard retains its timeless vintage soul, it has been meticulously enhanced for effortless, worry-free touring.
Climate Control: Upgraded with a modern Vintage Air air conditioning system, replacing the cumbersome original trunk-mounted setup.
Reliability & Electrical: Features a modern 650 cfm carburetor, alternator upgrade, electronic fuel pump, YnZ forward wiring harness, halogen headlights, and front-mounted pusher fans to keep it cool in modern traffic.
Convenience & Sound: Equipped with power steering, power windows, power antenna, power seat, electric wipers with washer pump, and a discreetly hidden autosound system with a trunk-mounted CD changer.
Fuel & Cooling: Re-cored radiator, modern transmission cooler, and a brand-new gas tank from Kanter with a locking cap.
Included Original & Spare Parts
For the purist or collector, the sale comes complete with a treasure trove of original components and spares, including:
-Original generator with regulator and original Rochester carburetor.
-Original factory air conditioning system components, brake booster, vacuum tank, and wiper system.
-Original Packard oil pump and front brake drums, shoes, and hardware.
-Four extra wire wheels to complete your display options.
The Ultimate Cruiser
Whether you plan to cruise the local cars-and-coffee or embark on cross-country vintage tours, this Packard 400 delivers the ultimate blend of 1956 luxury prestige and contemporary reliability.
