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

Posted by Gary On 2013/5/24 19:40:36

The model is entirely based on eye appeal and we all have our own opinions and reasons why we choose a specific body style or model. I've owned many makes and models of cars, some I restored myself and some were original survivors but I never purchased one that had been restored by someone else or by a professional restoration shop. I've narrowed by own choices down to the 50's era because for me, the era holds the treasured memories of my childhood and I think we all identify with something in our past that we basically want to be able to touch...in my own case, my car is my time machine that takes me back to the best years of my life. Growing up, I remember seeing all the independents on the roads Packards, Studebakers, Hudsons, Nash's, and Kaisers. As far back as I remember, I was always so curious about them...wanting to learn all I could about them and that curiosity has never wavered. Assuming your friend is also a Packard fan, advise him to first choose the model that he views as the most appealing. Be careful of cars with fresh paint as many times they hold hidden surprises. Focus on cars with original or older paint jobs but with solid and straight sheet metal. Replating chrome is very expensive, my car had a receipt in the glove compartment from 2000 for plating work in the amount or $3500 that covered all exterior chrome and it still shines like new today. Custom nterior work can be very expensive but there are also trim shops who do good work and offer more reasonably priced materials. If you can't hear it run then it's not worth anything but for parts in my opinion so to sum it up, look for a nice solid and complete "SURVIVOR" that your friend can get in, start up, and drive. Put it up on a rack and look for rust, leaks, and holes where holes shouldn't be...if the car is in the condition and price range that your friend is looking for then it's the car for him.