Re: Asking the men and women who own one...

Posted by Loyd Smith On 2009/4/3 23:46:06

When put right and used as they were designed to be used, the 51 through 54 Packards were some of the most reliable cars that Packard ever built. Yes, it will cost you more to purchase SOME Packard parts but, hey, the difference between driving a Packard and driving a Chebby is why those of us who do drive them own them. They're a breed no longer seen, not designed for racing of any kind but rather for comfortable, reliable, roomy transportation needs with a grade of luxury somewhat above the average. Some disparage their bodywork (cheap chrome plating due to Korean, "police action," in progress, lack of material/bracing in the bonnet, etc.) but mechanically, equipped as they were straight from the factory, in proper working order with proper care and maintenance, they were one of the most dependable, reliable cars of their day and, as someone else pointed out, although without tire burning, neck-jerking acceleration capability, will cruise effortlessly at highway speed all day. Although perhaps not as modern, they possessed fewer of the irritating mechanical and electrical quirks than most of their competition because, with slight modernizations periodically, Packard had been building/assembling the suspensions, running gear and electrics for twenty years or more and they had that particular concept and combination down pretty well by the time these cars were produced. Within the parameters of what was available when they were new, they were quality product.