Re: When deciding what to buy....

Posted by 19482255 On 2011/5/22 16:45:12

A brilliant light just dawned on my marble head.

I've asked many questions about the 48-50 Packards, but I should really take a good test drive, seeing as how driving it should be just as enjoyable as looking at one.

What's the best way to do that? I've felt reluctant to ask that question at the two Packard meets I've gone to. It's just a feeling I get...almost like a breach of some unspoken etiquette. It's as if folks want your admiration of their car, but wouldn't hesitate to tell you 'no' if you asked for a test drive. And I don't want to go find someone with one for sale and request a "test drive" with no intention of purchasing it now.

In the past, I considered a Nash Airflyte of 49-50 (yeah, I like the look). Even though I wasn't ready to buy, I actually got a seller to bring his Airflyte to me and we took a test drive. After I was done, I was surprised to realize my desire for one was gone. I liked (and still like) how they look, but the drive was definitely not what I expected. The car was hard to see out of, the engine felt greatly underpowered, and the inside of the car had zero razzle dazzle to keep an aesthete happy. Plus I felt a bit bad the guy had driven his car to me, and I was not ready to buy. I would prefer to be more upfront about my intentions now.

Is there anyone with a 48-50 Packard in the greater Los Angeles area that would be willing to let a future owner drive and inspect their car, under their supervision? I'm in the San Fernando Valley.

Thanks, in advance!