The 54th Series, designed by famous stylist Dick Teague, was one of the last full-sized Packard convertibles produced in Detroit before the company merged with Studebaker.
In fact, this convertible is still considered one of the finest and most luxurious cars that Detroit ever produced.
The 54th Series Senior model Convertible was built with all the options that Packard offered, including a lot of power accessories: steering, brakes, windows, seat, and antenna. Other options included an AM radio, clock, backup lights, glove box light, interior courtesy lights and a luxurious leather interior . . . to name just a few.
This historical timepiece has been lovingly cared for, as evidenced by the detailed provenance since its production. Our ’54 Packard was delivered new to Paul and Anne Enz of San Francisco from dealer Earl C. Anthony, also of San Francisco. Included with the car are the original owner ID card, Packard Owner’s Service Policy, 10,000-mile prepaid service booklet, and the original Operation and Care of Your Packard book . . . all fitted neatly into the original Earl C. Anthony envelope and all shown in the photo gallery.
Mr. Enz kept the Packard until he sold it to R.C. Raack (also of San Francisco) with 9,518 miles on the odometer, according to the original service records. The last service recorded during Mr. Raack’s ownership was August of 1971, showing 18,917 miles. It was then transferred to Mr. John Constant of Santa Ana, California. Mr. Constant owned the car until 1989, at which time the odometer showed 41,816.
This lovely Packard was then sold to Bill Lauer, also in California. It was under Mr. Lauer’s stewardship that the car underwent a complete restoration in 1990. The engine was rebuilt by Custom Auto Service (owned by well-known restorer Robert Escalante) of Santa Ana. Invoices also show that the power windows and top cylinders were rebuilt by Hydro Electric in Florida.
In the late ‘90s the Packard was sold to Mr. Oliver Angell of Winston Salem, North Carolina, where it was properly maintained, driven and shown occasionally. When Mr. Angell sold the car in 2004, it had covered only 45,327 miles during its lifetime.
The most previous owner owned the car since 2004 and put less than 3,000 miles on it in 19 years. Since purchasing the car in March 2023, Vintage Motor Cars has serviced the car including back flushing the radiator, rebuilding the carburetor, fuel pump, brakes, starter and generator and cleaning the fuel tank to prepare this car for touring. Very recently, it underwent a complete tune-up with all fluids changed. Everything on the car works properly except the clock.
Put simply, the striking classic is cosmetically excellent with no needs.
This is as beautiful a Packard as we have seen. Spending most of its life in California and in the south, there is no evidence of any bodywork or frame damage. The colors are all correct as it left the factory, and it cruises at highway speeds like a modern car. What more could you ask for?
One of the last big Packards ever made, it’s sure to please the new owner as well as anyone who admires it on a tour or gliding down the road.
