We Salute America’s Independents And Hemmings’ Big 70th With These Cars of 1954

02/07/2024

In an earlier post, we took a look at a few cars that were introduced in 1954, the same year that Hemmings Motor News made its way into the world. With this July 4 edition, we’re continuing the celebration of our big 70th birthday by focusing on some of the independents that were produced in that same year. We found all of these cars for sale in the Hemmings Marketplace, with asking prices ranging from $9,750 to $39,900. Which one of these sets off fireworks for you? Let us know in the comments.

Packard Clipper Deluxe

Where to begin with this stately Packard? How about the AACA’s 2021 Southeastern National Meet, where the touring sedan was awarded a Second Junior? According to the seller, this car has just 27,000 documented miles, and runs “flawlessly.” The Mackinaw Gray paint has been retouched in places, and the chrome, stainless trim, and glass are all said to be in excellent shape. This was one of the last Packards produced with a straight-eight engine; it would be replaced by a V-8 the following year. The Clipper Deluxe combines the shorter 122-inch wheelbase of the Clipper Special with the 327-cu.in. eight of the Cavalier Eight, making it an appealing choice in the mid-price market. We found this example among the Hemmings Marketplace classified ads, with an asking price of $19,900.

hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1954-packard-clipper-spartanburg-sc-2770560

1954 Willys Aero Lark

Introduced for the 1952 model year, the Willys Aero line of passenger cars were what would later be called intermediates, with six-cylinder power and a 108-inch wheelbase. This handsome Aero Lark features a 161-cu.in., 90-hp “Hurricane” straight-six, coupled to a three-speed manual. According to the seller, the all-original body is in excellent condition, with no rust, and the original upholstery has held up well. Recent work includes a new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing, as well as new seals for the transmission and differential, a new oil pan gasket, new rear shocks, and new relays for the horn and turn signals. The odometer reads just over 77,000 miles. Find this Willys in the Hemmings Marketplace classified ads with an asking price of $12,000.

hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1954-willys-overland-martinsburg-pa-2722217

Kaiser Manhattan

Ship builder Henry Kaiser’s dream of competing with America’s major automakers was nearing its end in 1954, but the company had managed to produce some stylish, well-built cars during its 10 years. Among them was the Kaiser Manhattan, the top trim level in the range. Limited to six-cylinder power, Kaiser did its best to compete with its rivals’ V-8s by adding a McCulloch supercharger to the Manhattan’s 226-cu.in. engine, boosting output to 140 hp. This appealing example, one of 4,109 produced, apparently no longer has its supercharged engine. It’s listed among the Hemmings Marketplace classified ads, with an asking price of $39,900.

hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/kaiser/manhattan/1621306.html

Hudson Super Jet

Launched into the market in 1953, the Jet was a downsized Hudson that featured a 202-cu.in.. 104-hp flathead six and up-to-date styling on a 105-inch wheelbase. The Super Jet was a step up from the base Jet, with extra ornamentation and a nicer interior. 1954 would be the second, and final, year of Jet production, as the model was discontinued when Hudson merged with Nash to form American Motors. This example features Dual-Range Hydra-Matic Drive, an extra-cost alternative to the standard transmission. We found it among the Hemmings Marketplace classifieds, with an asking price of $9,750.

hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1954-hudson-super-jet-beverly-hills-ca-2798552

Studebaker Commander Conestoga

While Bob Bourke’s brilliant Starliner and Starlight coupes grabbed the spotlight in 1953, the Champion and Commander lines included two- and four-door sedans, too. But it would take South Bend another year to offer a station wagon version. Named to honor the company’s wagon business that dated back to the 1850s, the two-door Conestoga was offered in the six-cylinder Champion series, and, as seen here, the Commander series, powered by a 232-cu.in. OHV V-8. According to the seller, this example has recently been fully serviced, with a new battery, spark plugs, fuel pump, fuel tank and sending unit, and brake master cylinder and rear flex hoses. The wagon is described as “running well.” You can find it among the Hemmings Marketplace classified ads, with an asking price of $14,450.

hemmings.com/listing/1954-studebaker-conestoga-768631

Nash Metropolitan

The adorable Metropolitan was an international effort, with styling contributions by Italy’s Pinin Farina and a 1,200-cc (73-cu.in.) OHV four from Britain’s Austin. With an 85-inch wheelbase, the Met was smaller than its principal rival, the Volkswagen Beetle. Reviewers praised its better-than-expected performance and its miserly use of fuel. With the merger of Nash and Hudson in 1954, the Met was sold under both nameplates. This sharp example has had a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration with extensive documentation, according to the seller, and shows just over 30,000 miles. We found it among the classified ads in the Hemmings Marketplace, with an asking price of $16,500.

hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1954-nash-metropolitan-staten-island-ny-ny-2763502