Re: Finishing what the boys started back in the 50's

Posted by Bob J On 2023/9/12 14:14:17

So I have finally driven a Packard. Old hat for most of you but here is my 1st impression. Like they said, ask the man who owns one.

Wow!

I have owned and drove for years a '38 Ford Pick-up, built and driven a Model A. Driven numerous 30's Fords of my Father-in-law's. My 1st car was a '58 Pontiac (remember I am in Canada so mine was a Strato-Chief w/261 6 cyl and 3 spd manual) and none compare.
Mind you, the Packard is not licensed yet so I have only gone a short way. But my street is quite steep and she smoothly pulled up it in 3rd. The shifting was smoother than anything I have ever driven. The clutch action is best described as a glide and there was absolutely no way to chatter the clutch. Engagement in both forward and reverse gives smooth action with no extra gas needed as it has so much torque on that big in-line 8. Backing uphill up the drive into the garage was very easy. There was no gear noise in any gear, whereas I am used to a fairly noticeable whine in 1st and 2nd in the other cars I have driven. I did not go very fast as it is a suburban block, but the brakes acted quickly and smoothly, and downshifting to 2nd at the corner went perfectly too.
Can't wait to get through the red tape to be able to take her for a longer spin. I did forget to watch to see if the speedometer worked while I did the turn around the block, but I see that the odometer has a new reading, that has not changed for the last 60+ years!
In awe,
Bob J.