Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 54524712
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced in 1951, the Patrician was among the last new Packard models to emerge before the company's ill-fated merger with Studebaker almost four years later. Positioned as the luxury maker's flagship sedan, its sturdy box-section chassis was equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and hydraulic drum brakes. Bedecked with more chromework and trimmed to a higher standard than its humbler siblings, the Patrician also enjoyed a performance advantage. Available from January 15th onwards, the 1954-model year cars boasted an enlarged 359ci (5.9litre) engine complete with nine-bearing crankshaft and aluminium cylinder head. Fed by a four-barrel carburettor and rated at 212hp, the sidevalve unit imbued the stately Packard with an unlikely turn of speed. Priced at a hefty $3,890, the 1954-model year Patrician is thought to have amassed just 2,760 sales.

Finished in Vanilla Cream with Light Pink / Dark Red brocade upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (automatic transmission, paintwork), "very good" (bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (chassis, engine, electrical equipment, interior trim) condition. As well as an "engine and transmission overhaul", 2005 is also understood to have seen the Packard benefit from attention to its "brake system, shock absorbers, tyres, interior / exterior chromework, rubber mouldings and instruments". Faithfully recreated by SMS of Portland (Oregon) using a sample of original fabric found on an inner door panel, the cabin's amazing colour scheme is rumoured to have been a one-off commission by Mrs Wrigley of the chewing gum family. Thought to retain a good proportion of its original paintwork, the Patrician also sports a nicely detailed engine bay and boot.