Re: How many remaining?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2013/12/26 10:49:57

Larry51, I think the reason 1951 and 1952 cars have such low survivor rates is in part explainable by the following. For 1953-56, the Caribbeans, built in reasonable volumes, were practically collectibles from the day they were built and thus have a significant impact on the survivor rates for those years. And the 1955/56 models, the "last" Packards and the first V8s, have some special appeal. What model 51 and 52 cars had a special feature or model with the panache to put them in a similar category? Yes, the Pan Americans, but only 4(?) built so not enough to influence the survivor rate. Certainly not the convertibles, they started life as part of the bottom-of-the-line series. And not the Patrician, it was a significant step down in luxury from the Custom 8s which preceded them, and the 53 and 54 Patricians which followed them. In short, the 51-52 cars, while excellent motor cars, were bracketed on both ends by years with more desirable models in the lineup which influenced the desire on the part of some to have an extended life. I know this sounds harsh to those who love the 51-52 cars, and there is a lot to like about them, but as the "collectible car" hobby began in earnest, nothing about them gave them the status to be kept as other than hardworking, solid cars, driven until worn out and discarded.