Packard Clipper Constellation

The Clipper Constellation was a top-of-the-line model of the mid-price series Clipper. It was a two-door hardtop with a high-powered V-8. Packard sold many of its mid-priced cars, but president James Nance felt that they were harming Packard's upper-market public image. To solve this problem, he made the Clipper series into a separate make for 1956. See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

1955
In 1955, the Clipper series was part of the Packard make and so was the Constellation variant. Unlike the rest of the Packard line, the Clippers has different trim, paint schemes, and tailights to differentiate it from the upscale Packards. The Constellation had a 352 cu in. V8 that produced 245 horsepower this year, while the base Clippers had the 320 cu in. engine that made 225 horsepower. All Clippers featured a "s"-shape contrasting paint area on the side of the car.

1956
After Clipper was made an individual make in 1956, the whole line recieved updated styling and more powerful engines. The entire linup, which consisted of two hardtops and three sedans, now had the cathedral-style taillamps and horizontal cintrasting two-tone paint stripes. The Constellation hardtop recieved a new 352 cu in. V8, but this time the power was increased to 275 horsepower.

Pricing
1955 $3076

1956 $3164

1955
Low $3,200-5,500

Average $5,500-9,000

High $9,000-14,000

1956
Low $3,200-6,000

Average $6,000-10,000

High $10,000-15,000

Criticisms

 * Fuel-thirsty
 * Low collector interest