Re: Buyer's advice requested: 1952 200 Deluxe

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2016/3/1 14:34:16

Not to dissuade you, that vintage Packard can be a very reliable touring car and give you countless hours of enjoyment. But keep in mind that its near the bottom of the line car and doesn't have a lot of upside value potential, thus not a lot of room for investment to stay above water. Probably just a good quality paint job would put you under water unless you were able to do it yourself. And of course when you say "restoring", that can mean most anything up to and including an all-out return to original condition which might cost you 5 or more times what the car could bring when finished.

So....either (1) modify your idea of restoration to something more commensurate with the value of the car, something practical like a road-worthy fun touring car, or (2) go into it because you love the car don't expect to recover what you invest, or (3) look for a model with more upside value potential.

You say this will be your first Packard, congratulations on that. The 51-54 models are fairly plentiful in all kinds of conditions and prices, so shop a bit before you jump and keep asking for advice.

Join The Packard Club (packardclub.org) and you'll get a membership directory. Gobs of PAC members in Texas and I'm confident you'll find several in your area willing to go look at the car for you. Someone on this forum may come forward with the same offer. Good luck!