Re: Do you have a daily driver Packard?

Posted by PackardV8 On 2010/8/12 16:37:11

Very original unrestored 56 Executive sedan. PushButton, Mark IV air conditioning, Olds oil pump conversion and F power brake unit conversion, NEW F truck radiator. Otherwise oem stock condition.
Drove it today 85 miles at speeds 55-80 mph in 98-100 degree weather with 85% humidity. No problems.

I would not call it a daily driver since i only tend to drive it for long distance errand running and pleasure site seeing type excursions. Probably 200 - 300 miles per month or more. Summer, winter, fall it doesn't matter.

I will place it against ANY modern car for ANY operation conditions for ANY distance AT ANY SPEED. The only downside to the car is gas mileage sucks compared to more modern cars.

But i was lucky to find a very low mileage (34K miles) rust free garage kept car in mostly original unrestored condition to start with. I bought it in 1998 and it now has over 54K miles on it.

Other than highly controversial components such as the oiling system and the BTV and perhaps the T'Ultramatic the 55 and 56 models are every bit as road worthy today as ANY modern automobile at ANY price.

Of course there are those that will always bring safety issues, and ecological friendly nonsense issues as well various other peripheral qualities about a car to bare.

The bottom line is that i can drive my 56 Executive just as successfuly as ANY other car.

So what does anyone want??? An airbag and cupholder too???