Oxford’s Packard Clipper is a replica of a car built by the Packard Motor Company (and later by Studebaker-Packard), spanning the years between 1941-1942; 1946-1947; and latterly 1953-1957.
Oxford has concentrated on the early model which was introduced in April 1941 as a mid-model year entry. It was only available as a four-door saloon (sedan). The timing was unfortunate in view of the increasing hostilities of World War II but the 1930s had not been good for industry in general and particularly not for Packard in the years of the Depression. A quick fix was needed and the company’s hopes were pinned on the new Packard Clipper, which represented a break from traditional styling and incorporated some innovative construction techniques. However, the War arrived and made it impossible to realise the investments made. After 16,600 models were made and a few thousand in 1942, the Detroit manufacturing base had to turn to manufacturing munitions instead of cars. By the end of the War, despite the sleek appeal of the Clipper, the moment had been lost and the company moved on.
However, the Oxford model is a faithful replica of what could have been so much more in real life. And for its era, it has style. It makes its debut in a deep signature Packard blue, echoed in the wheels, with chrome exterior trim and grey beige contrasting interior and seating. The Clipper name is printed in silver below the front quarterlight windows while the Packard signature features in silver on the boot. The distinctive radiator is finished in chrome and black and there are two ‘fenders’ on each side of the radiator grille above the chrome bumpers.
Ultimately, Packard merged with Studebaker and the Clipper name lived on but not with the same style or appeal. It merged into the mass of bulbous automobiles that became the trend in the late 1940s. Such a pity.
