Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Vaughn On 2011/7/4 0:21:36

Ozstatman
Joe and I have been friends going on 38 years. I have spent countless hours under Packards. Our family cars were Packards starting with a 50 fastback 327, then a 53 Clipper 288, and our last was a 54 Patrician with a 359. The Patrician was an incredible car. It was Green and had brocade upholstery. My first car was a 48 sedan 288 which I had from 1965 until about 1980 and I sold it to finish the restoration on my 1940 120 Club Coupe deluxe. I sold the 40 in about 1985 to purchase a new bigger home for our growing family. Joe, John Langslet, and I started the Packards International Oregon Region. We worked to make it a great club. The three of us would put together the monthly newsletter and often wrote articles. We organized the PI Regional show at Washington Square shopping mall after hours which featured the Oregon Symphony and many other performances. It was an incredible event which was Joe's baby. It was a total success and was widely covered by news media of all formats.
Those were wonderful and exciting days, weren't they Joe!!!!
The past 2 days have brought back many fond memories or those shared times. Unfortunately, I do not own s Packard now and doubt I ever will again, unless I win the lottery. However, I feel great about having shared in the Dutchess with Joe. I found the dashboard and the 356 engine which she contains so those items plus the assembly I have contributed the past 2 days make me feel that I have been of some service. When I get back from my Uncles memorial service next week I will again contribute what I can to helping finish this old girl.
Vaughn