Re: 1951 Packard stick shift cruising speed

Posted by Ross On 2023/4/2 19:23:45

If you like the car buy it but know that it will be very busy at 60 mph--about 2800 rpm. It is very easy to add overdrive to one of those cars and there are plenty of the units around. I would keep the 3.9 axle and enjoy cruising at 2020 rpm at 60, and an easily sustainable 2500 at 75.

I regularly drive my OD equipped 51 and 53 at those speeds with zero problems. Well, OK, above 65 the gas mileage really starts to drop off as you push that delightful barn door sideways down the highway.