Re: Help with purcase 1954 PACKARD PATRICIAN

Posted by Jim On 2008/3/19 11:30:08

Welcome to the forum!

I owned a 54 Cavalier years back and really enjoyed it. I believe the Patrician will have a 359 with an aluminum cylinder head. I have heard over the years the aluminum heads are somewhat problematic. The Ultramatic (automatic trans.) can be a little tricky, but when right work well. As for the car itself, and the rest of the engine, they are fine automobiles. Parts are relatively available for the 51 to 54 models and they are popular cars. There are a number of 51 to 54 fans on this site with good knowledge and lots of enthusiasm.

As for prior ownership by the Wrigley family, it seems like every Packard was owned by someone famous, but there is just never any documentation to establish that. My advise would be to pay no premium based on pedigree if there is no documentation to support the claims.

Best of luck!