Re: Packard Mortality Statistic

Posted by kevinpackard On 2021/12/21 11:59:22

I'll put in my 2 cents as a "younger" and recent entrant into the Packard world.

There are still a lot of people my age who are interested in older cars. I can't tell you how many guys I talk to that would love to have a classic after seeing mine. The problem is that most don't have the time/money to devote to it. Young families and other priorities in life trump something like restoring a classic. But children grow up and earnings increase over the years. They'll end up getting into the hobby later in life. I'm fortunate myself to be able to jump in earlier than some.

That being said, not many have heard of Packard before and know nothing about them. All the more reason to drive and show ours.

On the topic of modifications, I tend to lean towards the 'keep things original' side of it. As much as possible, that is my goal. Partly because I want to enjoy the engineering the way that Packard designed it, partly because it gives me a connection with the past, and partly because nearly all the classic cars around me are modified and rodded and I want to be different.

I drive my Packard gently and carefully for leisurely cruises. I don't drive it like a modern car because it isn't. The brakes (drums with a non-original dual master....not my doing) stop perfectly well, but I never give myself a chance to try them out because I drive so defensively.

If I want to go fast, that's not what the Packard is for. Different cars for different purposes. I have an '05 Audi S4 for speed...plenty of power to slam you back in the seat through all six gears, and 0-60 in about 4 seconds. The Audi is designed for speed with all the modern safety equipment. The Packard is not.

-Kevin