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Hey Steve,

The lower cowl (firewall that includes the theft ID Number) is what has been painted gloss black. The upper cowl that attaches above the horizontal weld line on the firewall has been painted the body color.

I hope that this additional information clarifies your inquiry.

- Eric

Hi Eric

The reason is ask is painting the cowl black below the weld-line, regardless what color is was before, is a practice of "restorers" doing as they've seen done by GM on their 1960's models.

During the earlier decades, where the bodies came from a plant that painted the complete shell whatever color was specified, the cowls always matched the exterior color.

Then, in the 1960's, GM in an effort to reduce cost, started the practice of painting lower areas including the cowl with chassis black before applying the body color. Certainly, this saved costlier color paints and cents-per-car. And all those cents-per-car added up to thousands saved....thus warming the hearts of cost accountants.

I suspect if you scratch off a small patch of the black in an unnoticeable place, you'll see the original color applied by Briggs for Packard.

Steve

I will take this additional information into consideration. Thanks again.

Let me know if you would like any more photos posted. Or I can provide them though email.

Absent any documentation, look at your casting dates on your motor, and if they occur after the date of the picture in Neal's book, the hunt is over.

In regards to the engine casting numbers, they are as follows:
Engine identification number: H404543
Head ID number: 639713 (partially illegible behind 327 casting located on top left of head)
Head casting date: 3 15 49
Block Casting Number: 213
Block Casting date: 6 9 49

I hope that this aids in your question.

The driveaway of Golden Anniversary Packards from the Proving Grounds started on May 4, 1949.

With a June 9th, block casting date it would not have been part of the driveaway. Sorry.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate all of the information.

I would like to thank everyone for their input on this matter. With that help, I have been able to settle a question that has been upon my mind for some time now.

This reply is more or less directed to Steve (since he has previously asked) and to any other Packard owner that has wanted to see more photos of my car. I have included a few more for all of you to enjoy.

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I also wanted to share a few photos that were taken during the filming of the movie "Carol" that can collaborate the usage of my Packard as the "hero car" to Cate Blanchett. I hope that you enjoy them as well. (All photos provided byhttp://missbelivet.tumblr.com)

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Hi Eric

Sweet! That is one fine-looking Packard! No need to be painted Anniversary Gold to be a elegant, desirable car from that year. Thanks for posting these for all to enjoy! That's the spirit of this Forum!

Now that Cate Blanchett has driven your Packard, she might want to get one of her own! Thanks, those are great, behind-the-scenes photos.

Steve