1954 Packard Panama POV Drive

Ever wonder what it's like to drive a Packard? Follow along on this POV (Point-of-View) drive in a 1954 Packard Panama.

The Panama is a 2-door hardtop model, in the Clipper line that Packard produced. The Clippers were known as "Junior" cars, less expensive with less amenities. In 1955 the Clipper line would separate further from the Packard models.

The '54 Panama is powered by a 327 cubic inch Packard straight 8 (last year for the straight 8), paired with Packard's Ultramatic transmission. The Ultramatic was a 2-speed automatic. The first speed uses the torque converter and the second speed is when the transmission is locked in direct drive. When accelerating hard the transition occurs between 35-45 mph (watch for it in the video). When driving relaxed it will drop into direct drive at much lower speeds.

The car has power steering, and originally power brakes, but those were modified by the previous owner. The hardtop models also had lower rooflines, similar to the dimensions of a convertible. As such, the windshield is short and hard to see out of if you are tall.