Re: Request for help
Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/3/25 13:22:50
As you've noted, there is a lot of information to be obtained and assessed before you can even begin to get to the question of value, which is a tough-enough question in and of itself, after all "value" is what someone is willing to pay. There are lots of "value guides" to be consulted, for whatever they're worth.
As to originality, the Light Eight was the bottom of the car line for Packard in 1932 so I don't think you need to be too concerned about a bogus upgrade (though conversion from a Light 8 coupe is not unknown), but you should establish if it was originally built as a roadster. Primary for this would be the vehicle number which should appear on the brass "patent plate" on the engine side of the firewall, I'll enclose a picture of what to look for. A true Light 8 roadster VN should begin with the digits 559 followed by an additional number of 11 or greater. Be a bit suspicious if the vehicle number plate is a new reproduction, though some owners seem to want a bright shiny new plate and discard the original (horrors!). Other useful numbers would be the motor number (left side on the aluminum portion) though that would only establish that the motor is a 1932 Light 8 motor, not that the car was originally a roadster. There is also a frame number near the left side rear spring shackle, again useful only as a sort of referee number is other numbers are suspicious.
Tell us more about the condition; original, restored and if so when and by whom if known, condition of paint, chrome, interior, and in particular the motor which can be quite expensive and difficult enough to have competently rebuilt here, much less overseas. And of course some nice detailed photos, exterior, interior, underhood, under body, etc.
The body is steel skin over wooden structure, and as such one of the most terrifying problems is to find the body looks great but you find the wood has deteriorated. Wood can really be best assessed by diassembling the body, but you can get a clue by opening the doors and seeing if they hang without sag, feeling the underside of the door wood for soundness, pulling some interior carpet and trim, etc. Beware though, bad wood = big bills.
BUT, what a great car, they handle well, can competently be driven at 50 mph regularly, and are a terrific looker!
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As to originality, the Light Eight was the bottom of the car line for Packard in 1932 so I don't think you need to be too concerned about a bogus upgrade (though conversion from a Light 8 coupe is not unknown), but you should establish if it was originally built as a roadster. Primary for this would be the vehicle number which should appear on the brass "patent plate" on the engine side of the firewall, I'll enclose a picture of what to look for. A true Light 8 roadster VN should begin with the digits 559 followed by an additional number of 11 or greater. Be a bit suspicious if the vehicle number plate is a new reproduction, though some owners seem to want a bright shiny new plate and discard the original (horrors!). Other useful numbers would be the motor number (left side on the aluminum portion) though that would only establish that the motor is a 1932 Light 8 motor, not that the car was originally a roadster. There is also a frame number near the left side rear spring shackle, again useful only as a sort of referee number is other numbers are suspicious.
Tell us more about the condition; original, restored and if so when and by whom if known, condition of paint, chrome, interior, and in particular the motor which can be quite expensive and difficult enough to have competently rebuilt here, much less overseas. And of course some nice detailed photos, exterior, interior, underhood, under body, etc.
The body is steel skin over wooden structure, and as such one of the most terrifying problems is to find the body looks great but you find the wood has deteriorated. Wood can really be best assessed by diassembling the body, but you can get a clue by opening the doors and seeing if they hang without sag, feeling the underside of the door wood for soundness, pulling some interior carpet and trim, etc. Beware though, bad wood = big bills.
BUT, what a great car, they handle well, can competently be driven at 50 mph regularly, and are a terrific looker!
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