A Rare Find: 1947 Packard Clipper Deluxe Club Sedan Surfaces in Wisconsin

Among America’s independent automakers, Packard long carried a reputation for doing things its own way, and that independent streak was still very much alive in 1947. A surviving example of that era has now surfaced for sale: a 1947 Packard Clipper Deluxe Club Sedan, offered through Facebook Marketplace and located in Waupun, Wisconsin, with an asking price of $12,500.

What makes this particular car noteworthy is its scarcity. The Clipper Deluxe was Packard’s best-selling line that year, with 23,855 units built, yet only 621 of those were the two-door fastback Club Sedan body style. That low production figure helps explain why so few of these straight-eight-powered machines are still around today. Packard’s marketing leaned heavily on emotion rather than specifications, and its long-running “ask the man who owns one” slogan had been in use since the early 1900s.

The seller reports that the car runs and drives under its own power, a point demonstrated in a video accompanying the listing. Recent work includes a new fuel tank, fuel lines, a rebuilt master cylinder, and a fresh battery. Undercarriage photos support the seller’s description of surface rust on the frame only, and no major rust is visible in the exterior shots, though the car is notably dirty and missing some trim on the front corner. The chrome plating shows its age, particularly where it is peeling on the front bumper, and the tan paint does little to flatter the body.

Potential buyers should note a couple of caveats. The engine note in the video suggests either a serious rod knock or an exhaust leak at the head-to-manifold junction, and the seller acknowledges that further brake work will be needed despite the rebuilt master cylinder. A dark patch on the driver’s side of the grille appears to be tape rather than a crack, which is fortunate, since replacement grilles for this model would be difficult to source.

With its low build count and largely solid structure, this Clipper Deluxe presents a genuine restoration project. The seller has signaled openness to offers, which may matter given the mechanical work still ahead. For collectors drawn to Packard’s engineering heritage, the question comes down to whether the engine noise is a dealbreaker or simply part of the entry price for one of only 621 examples.