Re: If you are under sixty, how did you get interested in Packards?

Posted by Ken_P On 2012/10/30 23:30:41

I have liked cars ever since I was a little kid. I started getting into them in earnest when I was in college- I bought a 1953 Willys Wagon for a four wheeling project. Much mayhem ensued, I learned a lot about wrenching, and it really cemented my interest in working on and owning old cars.

When I was in college, I started looking at old cars. I've always liked the cars from the mid 30s with the flowing lines, long chrome grill, and suicide doors. I wanted to buy something in college, but I was too strapped for cash to buy anything but a basketcase and knew I wasn't ready for a restoration project.

I'm 30 now, and I bought my Packard in the spring of 2011. Oh, by the way, my last name is Packard, so I was always interested. I have the resources now for a full restoration. I bought a 1937 115c touring sedan. It met all of my needs- classic lines, long chrome grill, the class that comes from being a Packard, even if it's a little one. It even has suicide doors to boot.

I'm in the navy, so I thought I was buying a driver that could be enjoyed for several years before I did a frame-off. I bought the car sight unseen, and I won't do that again! It is a total basket case. While I was on my last shore tour, I got the frame and drivetrain restored, and I'll do the body and interior next time I'm on a shore duty. I've already got my eyes on my next one too! I want to find a restored '51, because I think they're the best looking postwar Packards, and someday I want to buy a '33 or '34. I think those represent the true zenith of Packard engineering. Of course, the true classics cost a lot more to get into, so it will be some time. I also love the '37s; I think they are the best looking Packards ever produced, so I may try to find a few more once I'm out of the Navy and not moving every two years.

I've found this site to be a great equalizer- I get advice from guys my age and guys who could be my grandfather, yet everyone is friendly and helpful. I'll do my part to keep the Packard name alive.