Re: Are prices trending downwards for late 1930's Packards ?

Posted by ewrecks On 2019/6/27 22:16:01

I get into frequent arguments with fellow car collectors regarding the restoration and preservation of the older cars vs. modernizing.
The older vehicles from the 1950's and earlier are not dependable transportation or necessarily safe.
The trade schools are graduating people who have no idea about generators, carburetors and even drum brakes.
It is difficult to find mechanics who have any idea about working on these vehicles and when you do, the cost can be prohibitive.
I still enjoy getting greasy and trying to figure out the quirks of these old cars but can understand why some would prefer a vehicle that starts, stops and will get you to and from a destination without concern for breaking down.
Some of the resto- mod Corvettes, 1955-57 Chevies with new frames, driveline and interior updates are selling for far more that restored originals. They offer the buyer the cool styling of the old cars with some of the reliability offered by new cars.
I cringed a few years ago when someone offered a 40 Darrin restomod on eBay with the new suspension and Viper drivetrain, but the price shot past the asking price for a restored original...and did not hit reserve.
It is nice to cruise in a unique older car but unless you can do the work yourself...or have good friends to assist...the cost of parts alone will frequently exceed the sale price.
There have been no real Packards on the showroom floor for over 60 years. Those of us who are old enough to have admired the cars when we could not afford them are now geezers. The new buyers are looking at the cars they aspired to own when they were 16.
As long as you accept the Packards are a hobby and not a substitute for an IRA....and the Forum continues to provide the assistance that the trade schools no longer provide, we can keep the cars on the road. Hopefully someone younger will be inspired to join the pack.
RJR