Re: Packard in Southern Africa

Posted by africapackard On 2009/8/27 1:55:32

Hi Wayne! africapackard here!

Wonderfull that you are still interested in our Packards here in SA. I have a 1950 standard 8 sedan that is presumably the only running example. I am busy restoring. See my blog here on this website.

I do not have a great deal of info like our friend Sandy, as I am very new to this Packard family. I have however met some of the wonderfull SA Packard guys and I must say they are a great bunch of people to know. I actually bought the 1950 from a great friend of mine in Rodepoort - he has a BIG collection. I will try to put you in contact with him.

The info that Sandy provided and the photos come as great and pleasant surprises to me! Sandy - I would love to meet these friends of yours if you dont mind. It is always great to meet new Packard guys in SA as we are so few! The strange history of the Afrikaner is also one of my pet hobbies as I am one too!! A pity that my once great country seems to be spiralling out of control once again! The old car hobby is alive here, but I dont know for how long. People are disillusioned and the high deadly crime rate (18 000 murders per year from a population of 48 million)) is causing a lot of people to pack up and leave - mostly for Australia. I will stay as it is too hard to leave ones family and friends. I sometimes feel it is better to sell a great classic car overseas as at least it would not be destroyed in some kind of upheaval here. Also our cars are in good condition as rust is not a real issue.

Anyway. please write me if you want to gert in contact with the guys I know here.

African greetings
Barrie