Re: Side Tracked by a '51 Packard

Posted by bozonono On 2010/10/18 21:36:45

My grandfather had a '51 200 model. it had the 288 engine Ultramatic. He had the cormorant added as an extra cost option. it was a nice car, roomy, and smooth. the Ultramatic was totally reliable as they all seemed to be until 55.

His '52 also had the cormorant with the lowered swept back wings, the 3 bottle openers on each back mender and the chrome fins on the back fenders. i remember the 52 as being a more powerful car with a deeper sounding engine. not sure what the displacement was tho. His 53 was a Cavalier with the 327.

The interiors were rather bland by todays standards but comfortable. These were all great cars for long trips. the cavalier was the most comfortable with the longer wheelbase, extra legroom in the back, and a quieter overall ride.

I have a 54 convert now. but my first packard was a '51 convertible bought in 60. it had the 288 and ultramatic. I loved it and drove the heck out of it through college. It started in the middle of winter covered with ice, and never overheated on the hottest days of summer. It was a joy to drive.

john