Packard Shopping - Need Some Advice

Posted by Michal On 2010/5/17 6:01:30

Thanks for everyone's comments to my last post regarding freeway-ability for these old cars. I must say I'm hooked enough to be on the lookout for a Packard to call my own and have one locally I'd love some guidance on:

She's a 2272, 98% all there but paint's a little rough, interior is very nice, runs just fine but barely stops. That kept my first-ever Packard test drive to back roads and maybe 35-40 mph but that was enough to convince me of the reputation this make has.

So the seller is hoping for $6500, I offered $4000, and now I thought I'd get folks' opinion on these Packard tubs. I appreciated Taximan's comment on the mid-sized motor w/overdrive... that's what this car has. I must say I'm partial to the "fastback" body style and it looks like those have the smaller motor, but then again weigh less. I'd like to end up with a Packard I can do a little traveling in... no commute traffic but more than in-town cruising. I gather that any Packard will keep up with freeway traffic and I'll make sure to leave plenty of room for braking.

Perhaps I should jump on the 2272 and get my hands dirty, which I certainly don't mind doing, but with the economy as it is, maybe I could find a little more Packard for $6500. (I kinda regret letting this one get away: eBay 300421127099.) Well, I'm just trying to do some homework as I look around; thanks for any advice or info on dos or don'ts...

Michal