Re: 1938 Packard 12

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2013/6/21 8:16:00

The first thing I'd suggest is to recognize the possibility that the reason the car was laid up in 1967 could be engine problems. There's a big difference between getting the engine to run, and a good-running engine, and unless you're a very competent engine mechanic yourself and it might only needs minor work, there are only a handful of folks in the country capable of top-notch engine rebuilding for a Twelve and the cost can easily be North of $30,000. So I'd do a very extensive evaluation of the engine condition before buying.

Parts are not inexpensive, so even if the engine was in reasonably condition, I'd plan on having an amount at least equal to what you paid for the car to be available to get it roadworthy, if you have some left over for some cosmetic issues all the better.

And of course a lot depends on your final expectations for the car - that is, are you looking to restore or for a presentable touring car?