This is a California “Black Plate” motorcar that has been owned by Dick Benjamin in Temecula, CA for 45 years (since 1967)!!  This Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven Passenger Sedan is the top of the line for Packard.

This is an incredible survivor.  The interior is the original beige wool broadcloth, including the original luxurious moss tread carpet that is impossible to obtain today.  The Packard Blue livery was repainted back in 1969 using the original nitrocellulose lacquer paint.  Paint has been occasionally touch-up as necessary over the years so that it continues to look elegant and stately today.

The Packard comes complete with the overdrive, radio, four heaters and the high speed axle ratio.  The nine main bearing 356 cu in straight eight engine was completely rebuilt and has been well maintained since.  On the long wheelbase models the chassis, brakes and other components are made more robust.

This Packard will comfortably seat seven to eight adults and rides on its 148 inch wheelbase.

History of the Packard–  Dick and Nancy Benjamin bought this Packard on March 9, 1969 from Esther F. Holohan of Covina, Ca.   The motorcar comes complete with California registrations for Mr. Holohan dating back to at least 1957 and then for Dick Benjamin from 1969.

The service history starts with a complete service on September 3, 1956, with the odometer reading 34,888 miles.  The odometer presently reads 78,000 and we know that it has turned over at least once!  It has been fastidiously maintained from new by its loving owners.

The Packard is an incredible survivor.  The paint is in nice condition.  There are a few areas of cracking where the lead was used to join body sections by the Henney Corporation.  The chrome and stainless are in good condition and is original.

The interior is all original and shows the patina one would expect from an original car from 1947. The headliner has some moth damage and the front seat is pretty well worn.

The mechanical condition is very good with a full brake job and servicing in May 2012.  The front passenger window has a crack in it.  It is a simple flat piece of glass that may be readily replaced.

It is rare to find one of the 1,500 seven passenger sedans made.  Even rarer is to find one with such incredible ownership history, documentation and a true California “Black Plate” motorcar.  This is a very special opportunity.  For more details please call Harry Clark at 602.245.7200 or email us at harry@classicpromenade.com.