Packard Motor Car Information

Junkyard Packards

Posted by packardsix1939 On 2022/7/1 17:34:24

I was going through some old photos and found these that were taken in the 1990's at the former Leo Winakor and Sons wrecking yard in Salem, Connecticut. This yard opened shortly after World War II and at one time had over 4,000 vehicles, with the majority from the late 1930's through the 1950's. Virtually every make and model was represented, including Studebakers, Hudsons, Nashes, Kaisers (there was even a Frazer), Willys and, of course, Packards. Once a car entered the yard, it usually never left. Old man Winakor was very difficult to deal with. He hated selling small parts off cars and usually would not talk to you unless you wanted something major, like an engine or a transmission, or you were willing to take the whole car. His prices tended not to be very reasonable, so the cars just sat, often for decades and slowly rusted into the earth. But he would let you roam the yard unsupervised, though you would be watched from a distance by either him or his large yard dogs. At least they appeared to be well trained. But after years of harassment from the neighbors and from the town, Winakor's closed for good in 2000. Everything was crushed and the site of the old yard is now a suburban subdivision. Here are pictures of some of the Packards that were in the yard. Hope you enjoy.

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