Re: Help with purcase 1954 PACKARD PATRICIAN

Posted by Mike Grimes On 2008/3/21 19:33:17

Hi,
There is quite a bit of information on this website that will help you assess the 54 Patrician. In the main menu you can use the "Packard Model Info" section to take you to the technical and production information on the car. There is also a link to a sales brochure and the paint chips for that model year you can determine if the vehicle is painted an original color. Also on this website in the main menu is a section "Packard Pictures". Photos 22,23,24,25,26,44,45,46, and 50 are of a 1954 Patrician. In photos 22-26 it is noted that the hood ornamanet is incorrect, which is true. The hood ornament in these pictures is likely from a 1951 Patrician 400 or 300 series. There is information on the PAC website www.packardclub.org that will also help. The vehicle ID plate is a stainless plate mounted on the front fender side of the drivers side door jam. There you will find the production number, paint and upholstery trim codes. The engine block should be painted bronze as will be the transmission. The engine is a further evolution of the tried and true Packard In-Line 8 but with an aluminum head and a higher compression ratio to help stretch the engine to 212hp. The original interior material is strikingly beautiful.

If you go to www.nada.com there is a section that provides estimated values for collector cars. As with any any collector car it is only worth what a seller can collect, so these are truly guides since there is not always a robust supply and demand marketplace setting the value of these cars. According to the current NADA listing, a low retail price is $6,025; average retail is $13,150, and high retail is $20,800.

I have never owned a 54 Patrician, however, I do have a 51 Patrician 400 and it is an extremely comfortable car to drive. It gets lot so looks, it has seating for 6 comfortably, parts are available and moderately expensive, and the 54 lacks the relative complexity of the features found in the 55/56 V-8 (I own a 56 Patrician and it is also a great car, but a significantly differnt car). The V-8 Club members I'm sure can better differntiate the 54 In-Line 8 and its performance at 212hp versus the V-8 in basically the same body at 260-290hp.

Good luck.