Re: Lost History

Posted by Loyd Smith On 2009/1/2 9:13:23

My 55th Series Patrician had a '56 T/U in it when I got it, as well as a Twin Traction differential and was in pretty rough shape, generally. Like many others in this hobby, my financial resources are limited enough that I couldn't afford a complete authentic restoration under any circumstances whatsoever. I have endeavoured to keep the car as Packard and as original as my finances allow whilst keeping it on the road. Like Clipper 47, I too was around in the 1950s and, as a result, probably do not consider these cars (nor the late '30s and '40s ones) quite as, "antique," as some younger hobbyists. I respect the cars but remember some of the problems with them when they were in general, daily use - as well as some of the, "modifications," that were done to them when they were almost new in order to make them more dependable in daily use (like not bothering to put a '55 tranny and rear-end in one when improved '56 ones were available and would fit). I would never put a small block GM engine in a Packard, nor replace its transmission with a non-Packard supplied one but my car sports modern air-conditioning, an alternator (albeit 12V positive-ground), an Edelbrock carburettor, radial tires, the original (completely rebuilt) brake system with an aftermarket top-fill reservoir and a Pertronix electronic ignition module in the distributor (and another in the glove box) - as well as the perfectly Packard and functional 56th series parts that came on it. The generator, generator bracket, Rochester 4CG carburettor and everything else that I've replaced are still in the shed and have been rebuilt for anyone who acquires the car after I've passed away. If they don't like the '56 parts, they'll have to find those on their own. As long as I am alive and can drive - I'm going to use the car. If I can't get in it in the morning and drive it to California from Florida, I don't have much use for it. I love Packards of any era. If I had the money for an authentic, frame-off restoration, I would still have an Edelbrock carb, (I was replacing 4CGs with Hollys and Carters when they came new on cars - again, my preference) alternator and, probably, a modern air-conditioning system (I could neither find the missing parts nor anyone who'd work on the old York system).

As it is, I've spent more money on this car than I would've done had I bought a new one, like it better and drive it (it's the ONLY car that I own). I'm going to use it and certainly do not intend to deprive myself of the experience merely because I cannot afford the expense of a frame-off complete and authentic restoration. That being said, when I die whoever gets it next can do with it what they will and will have everything that I've taken off of it except the A/C (there wasn't much left of it). In the interim there's a Packard in daily use for people to see who've never heard of Packard and the car does what it was supposed to do in the first place; that being getting me, dependably and comfortably wherever it is that I'm going and back again. Packards are the cats pyjamas in my estimation. There's never in my mind been anything to compare with them. That being said, however - I've got no more use for a Packard that I can't use than for a Cheby that I can't use.