Upon joining Packard from appliance manufacturer Hotpoint in 1952, president James Nance unveiled a new strategy for success. The plan sought to distinguish the entry-level series from the larger Packards, both visually and in prestige. Re-introducing the Clipper name, he applied it to the least expensive Packards, although his desire for a separate marque name was never fully implemented. Clippers had simple trim, smaller engines, and fewer amenities, while the uppermost Patrician series featured longer wheelbases and more elegant ornamentation.

For 1954, Packard lines were further differentiated. The Clipper, while retaining the family grille, received entirely new rear fenders and was offered in three subseries to compete in the mid-priced market. Least expensive was the Clipper Special, followed by Deluxe and Super Clippers. At the top of the Clipper Super line was the Panama, a handsome hardtop coupe. Just 3,618 were built.

The Panama was powered by the mid-size Packard straight eight, a 327-cu. in. version making 165 bhp. This car has the famed Ultramatic transmission. Painted Chariot Red over Sahara Sand, it has whitewall tires and full chrome wheel discs. The interior is Packard’s black-and-red leather-nylon, which the company said marked the “Clipper Panama as one of America’s outstanding sports-type cars.”

This car has been donated to the AACA in support of the new national headquarters and library. The AACA, a non-profit charitable organization, is based in Hershey and is the oldest and largest antique car organization in the nation. The event this weekend in Hershey is held under the auspices of the AACA and is put on by the Club’s Hershey Region.