Re: Custom Packard 1500/1501/1502/1605 Convertible Question

Posted by 58L8134 On 2010/7/21 18:28:09

Hi Sean

My advice would be to consider VERY carefully before acting on any customization project i. e. factory sedan body modified into a convertible. As has been stated, Packard enthusiast prize correct and authentic restoration above all. Any correct, extensive sedan restoration will put you "under water" vis-a-vis investment/resale value very quickly.

But I sympathize with your desire to customize the generally restored car to a more personally appealing form such as a convertible. If you check out my post from a year or so ago, you will find I design and render custom-bodied Packard that please me aesthetically (see my '38 Continental Touring Coupe art). While I would love to build one of my designs, the available car and especially finances preclude that from happening.

If you do decide to customize of the your sedans, please, please, please have extensive design work done up front and don't compromise on proportions or details to achieve the finished design. And please keep all features and details within the idiom of its period.

Good luck with your projects, more restored Packard are a worthy objective.

While I'll agree the company generally did a nice job converting the Silver Cloud into a convertible sedan, clumsy details as handling of the windshield header are a give away that it's a chop job. For reference, check websites with detail photos of the Mulliner-Park-Ward coachbuilt convertibles, anything short of that quality of work and attention to detail detracts from the finished car.

Steve