I was reading a reprint of the 1956 Patrician DriveReport in SIA #36 (September-October 1976), and came up with the following questions...

1. The push button trans control came out in '56? I thought it was also offered in 1955.

2. Packard pioneered electric door locks on 4-door cars that could be controlled by the driver?

3. The article shows a picture of a Packard V-8 with fuel injection! The caption on the photo states one prototype exists in the hands of a Packard collector. Anyone know if that's true?

I have never driven one (and the last time I was behind the steering wheel of a Packard is when I was about 5 years old, "pretending" to drive!), but from everything I've read about 30's-40's-50's Packards, aren't they noted for their outstanding handling characteristics for such big, heavy cars?

The year after I graduated from high school!

One reason I made the OP is because, IMHO, there still seem to be a fair number of Packards out there that are "off the radar" of the clubs, organizations, etc.

I say seek out the dog dishes/trim rings!

Quote:

I think you're right about that.

Examples: 10-15 years ago, a Tucker was unearthed from a garage in downtown Detroit.

Jay Leno's Duesenberg sedan in downtown LA.

And too many examples to cite of other cars stored away and either forgotten or traded to a landlord for back garage rent, e.g. (I remember a story about a 1930s Rolls-Royce in the 70's that the owner was able to purchase for storage costs!).

Oz, haven't been on your blog in a long while.

I take it from what I've seen here on page 18 that you're rebuilding the motor and trans on the '41?

If you were to hazard a guess as to how many Packards are left - taking into account those parked in barns, garages, warehouses, outside, or wherever - what would be your guess?

100,000? Am I low or high?...

If you go to the following link, you can read about Jim Rogers, who has done it. TWICE!

http://www.jimrogers.com/

When I still lived near Lima, Ohio in the 70's, a local man had a late 20's Elcar sedan. Still running and driving, and all original (I think).

I had never heard of them until then.

My father owned a 1962 Checker Marathon powered by a Continental flathead 6. It had an automatic transmission and was S-L-O-W!