Update: I drove by the '52 last night while on a date with my wife. She said "Oh, that's a cute car."

I will be calling the seller when my tax refund comes in.

-Dave

26

One old car: Not a Packard ('68 Camaro).

Interesting, though, how many people who have replied to this thread were born after the demise of the marque. I wonder if that represents the growing youth of Packard owners in general, or just internet-using Packard owners.

Certainly those of us born in the '70s and later don't have many more-contemporary cars to appreciate. Things have become so disposable since the Packard era.

-Dave

I'm a bit confused. My resources say that a '52 200 (non-Deluxe) should have a toothless grille, but this one is in the photo archives as a standard 200 and it has the teeth. What are the external differences between a 200 and a Deluxe. Is it that chrome proto-tailfin I see on some of them? Or is that a 250 thing?

Help is appreciated.

-Dave

BTW: To the poster who suggested I seek out a Patrician, I actually would prefer one of the short wheelbase cars, as I like the favorable power-to-weight ratios of things like Buick Centuries.

Maybe I shouldn't be sharing this, but I have been thinking of them as the Buick Special of the Packard lineup (and the 250s as Packard's Century). Though Buick never tried to spin off the Special as its own marque, so maybe "Packard's LaSalle" would be more appropriate.

Now as for the senior engines in the junior cars - I thought the optional 327 was the 5-bearing engine as used in the 300 series, and that the 9-bearing engine was considered too long to fit in the junior chassis. But my reference materials are of a general nature and have been incorrect in the past - I defer to the experience on the board.

-Dave

Sorry, my question was with regard to the '51 and '52 model years, not the Clippers.

-Dave

It's my understanding that any 200-series car could be ordered with the 327 5-bearing engine in place of the standard-equipment 288. Is this correct? If so, what percentage of 200-series cars were so equipped?

-Dave

For the record, I actually want a four-door sedan. I've been looking for a four-door sedan because I have a family now and the sexier two-doors are just an inconvenience. Plus, I've always had a thing for underdogs, and more-doors are so unloved, I can't help but want to lavish some attention on one.

I think I know the secret make, I'll e-mail you to see if I'm right.

-Dave

Has anyone spoken with Scarebird Classic Brakes, LLC (www.scarebird.com) to see if they can do anything? Their website makes it sound as if they're open to new projects. Their technique seems to be to find existing parts that fit - probably through comparison of bearing sizes.

-Dave

Interior is there and original (gray with pinstripes), but a little torn up. It's hard to see in because of the glare off the flat glass.

I'm glad to hear it's still a good deal. I've always wanted to own a straight-eight flathead.

-Dave

Eric, I sent you an e-mail? I don't remember doing it, and I don't see a reply in any of my accounts. That's not to say I couldn't forget, however. I'm only 26, but I'm busy at work lately.

I did take the time to stop and take picutres this morning.

The Good: Sign in the window says - "Have Chrome and Other Parts"

The Bad: Sign in the window also says - "Needs Trans Work"

I just need to show my wife now and see what she thinks. That's what will make or break this deal.

-Dave