Re: Larry's 1951 Club Sedan Project

Posted by Larry51 On 2012/7/5 6:20:35

Owen, I was thinking about you as I wrote the post yesterday! A hobby of mine is family research and even a 'minor'discovery concerning my ancestors is very satisfying. It must be the same for you, regarding your quest to trace Packards.

Details of my '51 Deluxe Club Sedan:
VIN plate states:
2465 - 7144. Paint Scheme S. Trim Code - illegible. (Second digit is a three, and 2465 Trim Code was 63).
Engine Number: I have a couple of engines so am unsure which is the original. Can supply both engine numbers if that will be useful.
TPN: A32123
Vehicle is RHD.


I have a bit of additional interesting information regarding another Australian Packard. It relates to a Packard that was owned by a famous Australian, name of Edgar Laurence ('Dunc') Gray.

Dunc was an Olympic cyclist who represented Australia at a few Olympic and Commonwealth Games (1920's-30's), winning various events and Olympic medals for cycling. He held many cycling records. A good account of his career can be found at Edgar Laurence ('Dunc') Gray


I have the 'remains' of his '51 Packard 2462 sedan. The car was so badly rusted by around 1979 that it was 'dismembered' and the body disposed of (- sounds gruesome I think). I purchased what was left (including the rolling chassis with mechanicals and virtually all parts / panels except the body proper). At the time I was unaware of who had owned it, as was the person who sold it to me. Both of us just recently learned of Dunc Gray's ownership.

Details of that '51 Sedan are as follow:
I believe the VIN Tag I have found amongst my parts is the one belonging to Dunc Gray's car. 2462 - 39029
Paint and Trim - no details can be seen on the plate. I believe the colour is Valiant Green Metallic.
From Registration papers the Engine Number is: J239365. I can confirm this soon when I visit the place where the chassis / engine is stored. Will let you know.
No TPN available.
Vehicle is (was) RHD.

I consider it very likely that Dunc bought this car from the (then) Sydney dealership of Ira L. & A.C. Berk of 77 William Street. He worked a very short distance from William Street for many years, including the early 1950's. My Club Sedan probably was from that Dealership also.

I have more information about Dunc Gray's car (- Registration Number, address of owner at the time, etc) which I can provide - let me know if you require these details.