With the tweaks you mentioned, I think it would be perfectly acceptable. Most people would never notice any difference.

I just ordered a set of Auburn Classic 820R15 radials with 3 1/2” whitewall for my 1956; I’m looking forward to experiencing the upgrade!

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Not likely. This is a thread from the dead -- it's from the days of the Obama administration...

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This looks to me like a 1955 Caribbean with a set of 1956 fenders on the front. That's a 1955 hood and deck lid, and it has the smaller 1955 clock on the dash, plus a non-pushbutton Twin Ultramatic selector. Also, from what's left of the paint and trim, it looks like a 1955-only code MUH -- White Jade / Rose Quartz / Gray Pearl combination.

Really not a lot left for $1,500. A lot depends on what's left (if anything) of the dual quad intake, carbs and air cleaner. Otherwise, all you could do is take the shorter convertible deck lid, the convertible top frame, see if anything is left of the antenna bodies and motors in the trunk, and then send the rest off to meet God. Even the front of the hood is rusted through. Such a shame...

I'm not sure I see the benefit of reinventing the wheel. Seems to me that it would just be easier to call or email Mr. Pushbutton and Mike Dulinski, and they can set you up with all the parts for a perfected version of the Packard factory set up. It will bolt right in.

It will also make it easier for subsequent caretakers of the car if the shifting system should ever need maintenance in the future.

Looks like you have a very nice Patrician there! Congratulations, and I hope you're enjoying it!

The bottom line is that it's your money and it's a free market, so if you want it, buy it.
People collect different things for different reasons, but the biggest reason is that the focus of their collections bring them joy. Follow your bliss.
Buy it, take care of it, and be a good steward of this rare artifact while it's in your earthly possession.
And if you really want to be a good person, take it to car shows and other events and share this sweet beauty with others -- especially the younger enthusiasts.

The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site in Shelby Township MI is pleased to announce its second Special Salon Showing.

"Calling All Twelves" is an exclusive invitation to the owners of 1932 to 1939 Packard Twin Sixes and Packard Twelves to bring their cars back to the most significant surviving Packard Motor Car Company property, where they can drive on the parkways of the original Proving Grounds, where many of these cars were road tested when they were new.

The salon Special Showing will include:

• Tours of the PPG buildings

• The formal Special Salon Showing, which will be captured by professional photographers

• Complimentary on-site lunch Wednesday

• A period of public viewing of the Salon

• An opportunity for the Owners to tour the PPG property in their vehicles, to recreate the magic of driving these cars on the very site where many of them were once tested.

• A pass-in-review and a parade towards Test Track. For the first time since the 1930s, these cars will pass near the PPG’s entry gates, driving toward the Timing Stand and preserved portion of the Test Track for photos.

• A Black tie optional, complimentary dinner for Owners and one guest at the PPG; tickets for the dinner will be made available to public for purchase.

• An entertaining and informative presentation on the history and future of the PPG

• An optional Thursday tour of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.

• A complimentary lunch on Thursday for each Owner and guest, with “Lunch and learn”-style educational presentations. Tickets for the public will be available for purchase at the door. One of the topics will be the legacy of famed Detroit-based architect Albert Kahn, who left his mark on automotive and industrial history through his work on modern factory design, commercial spaces, and even the estates of automotive moguls—as well as the Packard Proving Grounds. The audience will also have the opportunity to literally delve into the Packard Proving Grounds’ vaults—which will include rarely seen photographs, records, and more, with a focus on the PPG’s connections to the 1932–1939 Twin Six/Twelve program—and more details on how the PPG is working to preserve automotive history.

• The Owners are encouraged to include in their travel plans the CCCA Classic Experience at the Gilmore Museum, May 30-June1, and The Packard Club’s 58th Annual National Meet in Kansas City, May 31-June 6

This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate and experience the special connection between the Packard Proving Grounds and the 1932–1939 Twin Sixes and Twelves.

We are pleased to announce that over 18 V-12 Packards have already been registered.

To register your own V-12 Packard for Calling All Twelves: A Salon Special Showing this May 27–29, or for more details, please visit our dedicated information page atpackardprovinggrounds.org/2025salon

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Sanders Glass is probably a reference to Sanders Reproduction Glass, which according to their website is a division of Peninsula Glass Company and has been in business for over 30 years. Their headquarters is in Vancouver, Washington.
sandersreproglass.com

I'm sure it's not to be confused with Col. Sanders' Glasses...

That poor 1958 Packard. I get the impression that the Studebaker guys have more appreciation for the 1957 and 1958 Packards than most Packard guys. To each their own.

When I went to look at that listing again, I saw that it had been joined by two new Packards, a 1948 and a 1953:

copart.com/lot/45673675/1948-packard-sedan-tn-memphis

copart.com/lot/45208035/clean-title-1953-packard-all-models-nj-somerville

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The Detroit News article is paywalled, so it can't be read without a subscription.

There are actually more than the two buildings #13 and #27 left. Just across the railroad tracks is building #82, the 1927-28 aircraft engine building. That building is in great condition and is in active use for offices.

South of EGB the only thing left besides #27 is the row of small single floor sheds (buildings #47, 48, 49, 50, 90, and 91) along the railroad track that date to the mid-1910's. These are under private ownership and unless the City can seize them for unpaid taxes, they are out of their control. After the huge outcry created in the 1980's by the seizure of property for redevelopment into GM's Poletown assembly plant, Michigan cities can no longer use Eminent Domain to take land and buildings.

On the north side of EGB and east of the railroad tracks, everything between the #13 Administration Building and the #22 Merlin Engine building has been leveled. Both of the World War II engine buildings along Harper (and now the I-94 Edsel Ford Expressway) are still standing and are in active use. #22 is the home of The Display Group, a company that builds product displays for trade shows, auto shows, etc. The #84 building, which I believe is where the PT boat and other marine engines were built, is now housing the Integrated Packaging Corp. and Fontana Forest Products, both active businesses.

Buildings #83 and #85 are connected to the south end of #84, but are owned by the Catholic order of Capuchin monks. They have been built onto and expanded over the years, and now they serve as part of the headquarters for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen operations.

According to Mr. Pushbutton, there is one more Packard building left at the old plant site. That was the circa 1950 car shipping office and factory delivery building at Mt. Elliott and Medbury. That building appears empty, but it is secure and it looks like it has recently received some paint and other maintenance.

Speaking of upgrades, during yesterday's (March 12, 2025) tour of the area, we noted that the "legendary" (read: infamous) Packard Motel is now advertising on its sign that it is "Drug Free." Um, good luck with that...

But on a positive note, no one can deny that the whole area looks so much better now. You can see people starting to improve their houses, and urban farms are (ahem) sprouting up. Life is coming back to the area, which is no longer weighed down by the rotted industrial corpse of our dearly beloved Packard Motor Car Co.

As they say proudly in Detroit, Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus ("We hope for better things; it will arise from the ashes.)