Re: Packard 120

Posted by PackardV12fan On 2008/10/2 9:47:16

strongly recommend you sit down with yourself and discuss with yourself PRECISELY WHAT you want an old Packard (or any old car, for that matter) for.

Here's the problem. Buying what someone else abused into an unserviceable condition, and then trying to "restore" it, typically costs MANY MANY times what the identical car would cost, in serviceable condition. Find out what it costs these days for a passable upholstery job. Find out what it costs these days to re-chrome. Can you do your own body and paint work ? If so, find out what a gallon of paint costs ! You own or have access to a well-equipped shop?

Driving around in old cars is fun. Driving around in old cars to car shows, where you can meet other old car nuts, is double fun (just got back from the NEWPORT CONCOURSE D' ELGANCE - now that was REALLY fun) (sorry, that was a "super-snob" event on the private golf course of the St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point, where the hotel rooms START at $600 a night, so no "junior" series Packards need apply...!).

Think about this - you could probably buy a nice SENIOR Packard in serviceable condition, for MUCH less than you would put into trying to bring a dead "junior" Packard back to life.

Now - don't get me wrong - I was BORN (seriously !) in a '38 Packard "120". I will match a Packard - ANY price-range Packard, against ANY car in that particular price class.

So, if you just happen to like Packard 120 series cars, by all means, GO FOR IT ! But please, save yourself a lot of heartache and wasted time, by making whatever financial sacrifice it takes, to get a good one you can USE.