Thanks all - sounds like several good choices!

re: USAA - does 2 yrs of ROTC in the 60s count?

Being a retired Biology & Chemistry teacher myself I couldn't agree more with PatGreen. For far too long teachers and schools have allowed themselves to become a punching bag for malcontents who haven't set foot in an educational institution for decades and have some inner need to find a convenient political scapegoat for all the ills of society. Schools, like governments, are a reflection of that society. We get the government and schools we deserve, and talk and apathy won't get you much. I'd suggest those dissatisfied with them volunteer and instigate change from within. Perhaps by taking that old car down to the Auto Shop teacher at the Voc Tech and asking how you might get involved you might even affect positive change and get some kids involved in the hobby to boot. You might also gain some much needed understanding of and appreciation for the role of educational
institutions and those that work so hard there in preparing those who will be the citizens that determine the very future of our country.

Don't know what the price/exclusivity cut off is here, but I know the Dusesenberg SJ was rated around 265hp vs 160hp for the 356 Packard, etc. I'm not sure about torque, but imagine it'd be beyond anything listed on the above chart concerning the more "mundane" makes. I believe it was well known as the fastest US made car on the road as well, at the time, topping out around 125mph.

Thanks fellas, Haggerty is sounding good. Anyone else have a negative experience with them...or others?

Welding is not brain surgery, and can be a highly therapeutic exercise... why not buy one of the new $200 wire feed welders, practice a bit on scraps, and do it yourself? Not only would the results be far stronger and safer, but you'd save the car for the long run as well as having the great satisfaction of a job done properly. The material costs are relatively negligible, a 4 x 6 of 18 or 16 gauge sheet metal and the sealer and paint mainly, and since it's not exterior panels that need work, the cosmetics are not critical. You can do it piecemeal, and so what if it takes a year or 2. Unless you're getting to be my age LOL. Just putting goop on it is to, my mind, a mistake. If I can do it anyone can, sure I goofed, but I just made patterns using thin cardboard to make my mistakes on, cut the sheet metal with tin snips, and spot welded it in. Do it yourself and do it right. That's my 2 cents!

Though not particularly powerful, certainly not in the league with the 356, the Nash Ambassador straight eight, with 9 main bearings and dual plug OHV, is considered by many to be one of, if not THE, best straight 8s in any US car of the era. I can't comment on the Duesenberg-Lycoming or the foreigners, Bugatti etc. I was told by Al Prueit that the Dusey was not overly smooth or refined, however powerful it may have been.

Not being satisfied with our present insurance provider, a main line company we've used due to family connections, we've decided to go with one of the vintage car specialist insurers. We've seen the old names in Hemmings for years: Grundy, JCTaylor etc... anyone have good experiences with any of them long term and recommendations? Input is much appreciated, did a thread search but nothing much popped up.

Actually not a newspaper article, but an article from the Lehigh University Alumni magazine... I was accepted to that university, as my folks lived in Bethlehem and Dad worked at "The Steel". When I went on the campus tour, the tour guide showed me Packard #1 in Packard Laboratory, they were very proud of their Packard heritage! But ended going to college in Maryland instead, and just as well, as I met my wife there 42 yrs ago!

Best to you too Gusha/Gerd, and to all members, and to all a good night!

While looking similar, I'd bet that not one part will directly interchange between a Chaika/ZIL or Packard. They had the good taste to try to emulate the best, but they were a unique creation, it would seem?