Re: 1949 Green Packard

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2008/8/12 13:22:15

Turbo, Lloyd, I completely believe you. I have used old cars for daily transportation too. But let's look at the question again.

"Does this sound like a fairly good deal? Im not one to work on and fixup old cars...this is turnkey. Can something like this actual be used as a daily car?"

My answer was that it could indeed be a good deal but for that kind of money you should be able to get an awfully nice 1949 Packard.

In his particular case, I would not recommend he buy such a car and use it for everyday transportation.

For one thing it would be a waste of a good car. Such a car would deteriorate rapidly if left parked outside all the time, driven in all weathers, and generally used as a hack. His $13000 car could turn into a $2000 car in a couple of years. But if he takes care of it properly, in 10 years it could be a $25000 car.

For another thing there has been some progress in autos in the last 60 years. It would be too much to ask of someone who knows nothing about old cars.

The fact that he asked the question tells me the answer, for him, should be "no".

Now if he has a garage to keep the car in, knows a good mechanic or knowlegable Packard fan (like you guys) then he should be OK for occasional use.

The car itself is perfectly capable of doing the job provided 1) it is in A1 shape 2) it is maintained properly and 3) you bear in mind certain limitations that are part of the car, such as brakes that are not up to today's in a panic stop.

Now if he buys the car and takes the trouble to learn how to maintain and operate it properly he may be OK but if he just jumps in and starts using it as his sole transportation I'm afraid he will be in for a big disappointment.