1954 Packard Convertible

Description

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE LISTING BEFORE ASKING A QUESTION, CLICKING BUY-IT-NOW, OR MAKING AN OFFER. This very detailed description will likely answer all your questions, thanks!
1954 Packard Convertible (“Packard Convertible Coupe”) Body #5479, Chassis #5431, Motor: 359 Straight 8, 212 HP.
One of only 863 built.
VIN number (
5479-2792)
shows that this was one of the last Packards of this type ever built:
792nd out of 863 vehicles of this model produced.
Odometer shows 70,755 miles.
Starts, runs, drives, and stops.
Please read the entire listing for a thorough description of its history, work that has been done, and condition.
HISTORY:
This car was owned, stored, and showed for 53 years by the
Hemken Collection Auto Museum in Williams, Iowa – see the photo of it in the museum next to the stone wall.
You can google to find articles on the now-closed museum. The owner of the museum was Darryl Hemken and his wife Anne. Darryl died in 2005. The car was titled to the Hemken family trust since 2008, the year the current Iowa title is dated. Anne died in 2020. An auction for all of the museum’s cars was held on Sept 18
th
, 2021. I purchased this Packard at that auction, and have clear Iowa title, endorsed by the family trustee, ready to be transferred to the new owner.
I also have the original owner’s manual and the cancelled check from 1968 for 2.50 paid by Darryl to the first owner, Al Berger - see photo. You would be the 3
rd
owner of this rare 1954 Packard Convertible.
Darryl loved to keep the cars in his museum as original as possible and this car is a testament to that. This is not a restored car but an original, with faults. Please look carefully at the photos and read the entire description that details its condition. I am happy to take additional photos or do a live video chat for serious potential buyers.
This was the final year for the Packard Series 5479 convertible.
This car is one of just 863 built that year. It has the Gear-Start Ultramatic Drive transmission (introduced in later 1954 model year cars).
Engine is the legendary aluminum-head 359cid Straight 8, producing 212 HP - arguably Packard’s best motor.
Color is “Bellevue Green” which is a very light pastel green that can even look like a lighter yellow in certain light. Interior colors are green and off-white.
WORK DONE:
When I bought the car, I instructed my mechanic to get it road-worthy. To that end, this is the bulk of the work that was done:
New fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel sender.
New brake shoes, brake cylinders, hoses, and master cylinder.
New 6 volt battery.
Repaired transmission shifter and replaced seal.
I did not wax this car; I only gave it a waterless spray wash. Nor did I clean the engine compartment. I only gave the interior a light cleaning. I am sure it would look even better if the entire car was cleaned thoroughly and/or professionally.
CONDITION:
In different areas, the body paint is faded, discolored, stained, or cracked – see photos. Cracking is most prevalent on lower trunk lid and driver side lower rear quarter panel. Body has obviously had some patching/filler repair in the past in lower fenders behind wheel wells and rear of trunk lid and possibly other areas as well – see photos/video.
Nicks/dings in paint and chrome. Some chrome pitting. Surface rust spots in areas, much of which are touched up.
Lower chrome trim along bottom of body must have been added at some point after car was purchased from the factory – they are not normally on this model convertible. This seems to have accelerated the rust at those lower areas near the wheel wells. This area appears to be the worst of the rust, with some rot at the very bottom edges (not noticeable until you look under and behind the lower trim at the wheel wells).
Rust in the trunk floor (see photo) with one visible hole. 2 holes in the base of the spare wheel space appear to be there by design. I have what looks like the original rubber mat for the trunk, which is dirty and rough around the edges.
Frame is solid but shows surface rust and dirt – see photos.
Undercarriage, especially around wheel wells, has dirt, grime and surface rust.
Top can be pulled up and down manually but does not function automatically via the knob on dash. We did not investigate that issue. Convertible top fabric is badly ripped – would need to be repaired or replaced if you wanted it to keep the rain out with the top up.
Rips in parts of the original front seat – see photos. Original back seat in good shape, but needs thorough cleaning.
Steering wheel has play in it when driving.
Has what sounds like a lifter noise upon cold start but quiets down after the car warms up (can be heard in video).
Tires are old and should be replaced.
All windows are manual and work. Glass is good.
Headlights and blinkers at all four corners work, but brake lights, radio, power antenna and most gauges do not work. I assume there are fuses and/or bulbs and/or connections that need to be located and addressed.
I have the fender skirts, but they are not attached; see photo.
Air filter is also not attached but in good condition – see photo.
I have driven this car around town after my mechanic made repairs. Starts right up, runs nicely, shifts good, and stops. The brake shoes are still new, so you need to leave enough room in front of you to brake safely.
I would NOT drive it long distances without new tires and a full inspection by your own mechanic.
My mechanic has recommended further repairs: replacing the steering idler arm, belts, and engine oil pan (which has a dent -see photo).
I have listed all the issues that I and my mechanic are aware of, but please understand there may be other current or future issues that are unknown.
OTHER INFO:
As mentioned previously I have clear Iowa title in the name of prior owner’s estate, endorsed by the trustee and ready to be transferred to the new owner.
This is a nice, very rare, driver-quality Packard Convertible to enjoy on sunny days while you address the issues I detailed here.
I am not a Packard expert but having done research, I feel I have priced this car fairly. If you can find a less-expensive 1954 Packard Convertible that runs, drives, stops, has a clean title, good history, a thorough transparent description, and is in better condition than this one, I certainly encourage you to buy it!
Please review all the photos and video carefully. I want you to know 100% what you are buying with no surprises. I’m not a mechanic nor a body/detail guy, so this listing is a description from a layman in layman terms, but I have tried to be as accurate and as thorough as possible.
It is time for a new owner to be the steward of this rare piece of American automotive history.
Please ask any questions. I’m not a professional photographer (I took all photos with my iPhone) but I am willing to take more photos or do a video call to better show you the car.
If you are local to me (I’m located about 40 miles south of Lancaster, PA), you are more than welcome to see the car in person (BEFORE you offer/buy, please). I do reserve the right to end the auction early if I sell the car locally.
I would be happy to assist your shipping this car anywhere in the world at your expense (I sold one classic car to a nice gentleman in Austria). I know how much these cars are loved outside the U.S., but in all cases, funds must clear my bank before I will let the car or title leave my possession.
Of course, the car is sold as-is with no warranty or guarantee or return.
0 PayPal deposit due upon winning bid, balance due (cash, wire, or certified funds) within 7 days. The car will not leave my possession until funds clear my bank.
If you plan to buy or make an offer on the car, please have your money available and in order beforehand. No trades please. Any inspections must be done before sale, not afterwards.
All shipping costs and arrangements are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
Thanks for looking and reading!