Re: If a beginner asked for help, what model would you recommend, and why?

Posted by Robin Adair On 2013/5/24 5:17:12

Well, I can't speak for your friend, but I can share my thoughts on buying old cars, ok Packards.

I used to buy projects as demonstrated by the 55 400 I just sold. I paid $4500 for it in the mid 90's. I then proceeded to have the engine rebuilt and had the engine compartment painted while the engine was out of the car. Add $6500. It still needed a tranny rebuild $3,500; paint $5,000 and new interior $5,000. At the end of the day I would have $25,000 into a car worth $10,000 so I decided to cut my loses and I sold the car for $2,500. I decided I could buy a pretty nice 400 for $10,000 today.

I also bought a 53 Patrician for $3,500 in the same time frame. It had tatty seats, pitting in the chrome, a little rust in the rockers. I sold that car to my mechanic's mom and dad. is mom saw the car just had to have it. I figured it was good to double the amount of Packard owners in the local area.
I used to look at that car and all I could see were the imperfections. I even bought a $20 seat cover to cover the tatty seat.

I saw that car a couple years ago proudly parked in their garage next to a couple Chryslers. The pitted chrome had hours spent on polishing it. The original paint had hours spent on buffing it. The same 20 dollar seat cover was still on it. I couldn't believe how nice that car looked.
It just glowed. The dad laughed at me when I offered to buy it back. This car in original condition, with all the imperfections parked next to some Chryslers worth a lot more than it, was still the Packard. It will never be for sale.

I have since learned that original condition cars are now very acceptable. Patina I think it's called. I have learned that now I look at what a car does have instead of what it doesn't.

Now when I am looking for cars I have a new check list.In this order:

1) I look for a good interior, either original or redone. That is a very expensive part of a restoration. Usually worth at least $ 5,000 is you plan on having it done.

2) I look for either good original or redone paint and chrome. Each can be worth $5,000 if you plan on having it done.

3) Mechanical, this is the easiest and least expensive part to have redone.

I used to only look at cars under $5,000 figuring I could have the other parts done as the budget permitted. Now I look for cars in the $5 to $10 k range using the above check list. I am finding a nice selection of cars available that I can get on the road faster and I don't have to put as much money into them.