Automobile [Packard Clipper Hearse]
Maker and role
Packard Motor Company Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1946
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1997.1
Production period
Description
1946 Packard Clipper Hearse. Engine: In-line, L-head 6-cylinder, 29.4 HP, 4 litre. Transmission: Selected syncromesh, 3 forward, 1 reverse. Petrol driven. Black in colour.
Brief History
Made in the USA as a standard 4-door car, this Packard Clipper arrived in New Zealand by ship in 1948, before it was converted to a hearse in 1954 by owners, Morrison Funeral Directors.
For the next 15 years, the Packard worked throughout Auckland transporting the deceased for funeral services and ceremonies. When Morrisons sold the hearse in 1969, the residents of Waiheke Island raised the money to buy it, as the Island did not have a hearse of its own. Over the years, the Island’s local mechanics continued to maintain the vehicle, with various people driving it for funerals, including the local Policeman.
As part of the 1989 local government restructure, the Auckland City Council took over all Waiheke Council functions, including the control of the hearse. In 1996, the Auckland City Council and Waiheke Community donated the hearse to MOTAT.
Specifications:
Type: Hearse
Model: Clipper
Manufacturer: Packard Motor Car Company
Country manufactured: USA (Converted to a hearse in NZ)
Year: 1946
Engine type: Petrol, 6-cylinder
Engine capacity: 4.0 litres
Horsepower: 29.4 hp
Gearbox: 3x forward speeds, 1 x reverse
For the next 15 years, the Packard worked throughout Auckland transporting the deceased for funeral services and ceremonies. When Morrisons sold the hearse in 1969, the residents of Waiheke Island raised the money to buy it, as the Island did not have a hearse of its own. Over the years, the Island’s local mechanics continued to maintain the vehicle, with various people driving it for funerals, including the local Policeman.
As part of the 1989 local government restructure, the Auckland City Council took over all Waiheke Council functions, including the control of the hearse. In 1996, the Auckland City Council and Waiheke Community donated the hearse to MOTAT.
Specifications:
Type: Hearse
Model: Clipper
Manufacturer: Packard Motor Car Company
Country manufactured: USA (Converted to a hearse in NZ)
Year: 1946
Engine type: Petrol, 6-cylinder
Engine capacity: 4.0 litres
Horsepower: 29.4 hp
Gearbox: 3x forward speeds, 1 x reverse
Marks
Clipper Maker's Plate
Funeral Coach Maker's Plate
Funeral Coach Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Other name
Clipper
Collection
Credit Line
Packard Motor Company Limited. 1946. Automobile [Packard Clipper Hearse], 1997.1. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
On display?
On display
Related exhibitions
Public comments
Thank you for your comment. We have followed up in an email.
- MOTAT Curatorial Research posted one year ago.
When I visited in February, I loved seeing this car. It brought back memories of the Clipper my paternal grandfather had in the late 1940s -1960. Please add a picture of the rear of the vehicle as there are a lot of people here who would enjoy seeing the whole thing.
- H Fleck posted one year ago.