'56 Packard 400 & '56 Cadillac
Written by Keith Fudge

A few years ago, what began as an initial visit has now turned into an annual pilgrimage for Dennis Gage and the My Classic Car crew:  the chance to visit the stunning car collection of Jim and Rick Schmidt.  Rick and Jim have approximately 150 of the greatest low-model classics anywhere and they are all in stellar condition.  We never quite know what Rick will pull out of the garage.  When we arrived this year we were greeted with a blast from the past as we stepped back into the “nifty 1950s.”  Rick had a 1956 Cadillac El Dorado and a 1956 Packard 400 on hand for us to view.

As Dennis met with Rick, he was ready to continue his exploration into 1956.  After all, Rick had already shown him a stunning 1956 Lincoln Mark II on a previous visit.  No type of preparation could prepare anyone for the awesome pair of cars that Dennis was about to see!  Rick began by showing Dennis a 1956 Cadillac El Dorado Seville.  Rick told Dennis that this car was the top of the Cadillac line and cost more than $6,500 when new.  Rick also commented that for the same price you could have purchased two Thunderbirds or two Corvettes that year!  Dennis remarked that the El Dorado resembled, “a muscle car in a tuxedo,” to which Rick replied that the car did have the biggest powertrain that Cadillac offered at that time.  To describe this car is simply a joy.  The car was gloss black on the exterior, and on the inside there was sumptuous red leather.  As Rick walked around the car, the rear of the Caddy signified that this baby was all about the fabulous1950s, including an exhaust system that extended through the rear bumper.  The trunk was also a sight to behold as it was covered in matching red carpet and carried a full size wheel and tire.  In addition, the air conditioner blowers were located in the trunk and resembled modern-day sub woofers!  On the exterior, fresh air intakes were located on the rear fenders that fed fresh air into the air conditioning system.  As they approached the front of the vehicle, the trademark “bumper bullets” signified that a Caddy was on the road.  Soon Rick popped the hood to reveal that top-of-the-line powertrain that he had referred to earlier.  The Cadillac V-8 was 365 cubic-inches and sported dual four-barrel carburetors!  Rick said that the engine was rated at 305 horsepower from the factory.  The 365 was a new engine for 1956 and came standard in the El Dorado.  Since it was a beautiful day in Ocala, Rick suggested that they take the Caddy out for a spin and then come back and test drive the Packard.  Without hesitation, Dennis agreed and they were soon on their way.  Regarding the interior, Dennis commented that it was, “really red inside.”  Rick commented about the ornate attention to detail that Cadillac insisted upon.  After all, these were special cars and they set the world standard in automotive excellence.  As they returned to have a look at the Packard, Rick told Dennis that approximately 3,600 of these cars were built.  What a car from a classic American automotive icon!

When they arrived where the Packard was parked, they left the Caddy and embarked upon the study of another vintage American sedan.  This immaculate 1956 Packard 400 was Packard’s other “top of the line” car that stood beside the Packard’s flagship, the Caribbean.  Painted in a two-toned combination of Scottish Heather and White, this car just looked like the 1950s!  On the inside, the same color scheme was present with the addition of black trim that created a stunning tri-toned interior.  Speaking of ornate, this car was magnificent.  From the “jewel-like” instruments, the padded dash, and the push-button transmission on the interior, to the “cathedral-type” tail lights and exhaust-out bumpers at the rear of the car, this Packard was all about style and comfort.  Just like the El Dorado, this baby featured a trunk big enough for a substantial load including the full-sized spare mounted on a wire wheel.  Under the hood was power that was comparable and even better to that of the Caddy.  The Packard was equipped with a 374 cubic-inch V-8 with dual four-barrel carburetors and was factory rated at 310 horsepower and 405 ft/lbs of torque.  Rick commented that with all that power a smooth ride was important as well and that this car featured a “torsion bar suspension” that was self-leveling.  Rick went on to note that while that “floaty feeling” was state-of-the-art in its day, today it is “kinda spooky!”  Well, enough of looking.  It was time to drive.  So Dennis climbed behind the wheel, pushed the D button, and he and Rick were off for a cruise in style.  As they traveled, Rick noted how smooth the ride actually was while Dennis continued to be dazzled by all the serious bling that this classic Packard possessed!  All in all, Rick summed it up best by saying of the Packard, “It’s a great running car.”  We couldn’t agree more.

Thanks again to Rick and Jim Schmidt for sharing two of their incredible cars with us!  They said we could even come back!  That’s it from Ocala, Florida.  So until our next trip, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”