Southwestern Connecticut was hit with high winds, a storm surge and plenty of downed trees and power lines.... And we were not even in the direct path of the hurricane. The utility crews are scrambling to repair the downed lines but it looks like it will be days before things are restored to normal. I commute daily into New York City but there is no train service yet and the outlook is not good. The subway tunnels in New York are flooded and it will take a while to get the entire system repaired so they will be opening certain lines as the track and signal systems are reviewed and repaired. Schools in our area of Connecticut are closed at least until Wednesday but based on what I saw when driving around town and by Long Island Sound, it looks like it will be longer.

The good thing is most people took appropriate precautions and are safe, even though they are without power. No kids playing on computers for a couple of days is probably good! My 1940 160 is being worked on in Ridgefield, about 20 miles from here, inside and safe from wind and rain.

Kevin,

My condolences as well. It is always difficult to lose a parent, no matter what age we are.

Regards,

George

I have a proposed compromise - why don't museums list the price of the Packard in their collection at the time it was sold in comparison to the prices of other popular makes of the day? That way there is a good historical context and nobody has to worry about how much they should or could get for the car today!

With all the heat across the country, the Wall Street Journal had an article today (p. A13) on "Air Conditioning, Blessed Invention". The article highlights Willis Carrier, who invented the first modern air conditioning to cool a printing plant in Brooklyn NY in 1902. The article goes on to mention that "The first automobile air conditioner was offered in 1940, on a Packard". Nice to have our cars in the news today!

There was one other point that the article mentioned. It stated that before air conditioning,"...Washington D.C. used to be nearly deserted in the summer because of the notorious heat and humidity. Today, the government runs year round. That's not necessarily progress." How true!!!!

Dave,

Great photos! Looks like a wonderful time was had by all. Thanks for sharing.

George

Owen_D,

Yes, I know exactly where Olin was on Long Ridge Road. They were a great company with everything from chemicals, Winchester, skis, pharmaceuticals and other interesting businesses. I am off Ponus Ridge near the Merritt Parkway.

I am close to getting my 1940 160 convertible back after some excellent work by Byron York up in Ridgefield so if you are ever in the area, let me know. Also, I don't know if you have ever met Byron but it is truly fun to stop by his shop and see the cars he is working on. He has also been great in showing my kids around his shop and encouraging the next generation. Flackmaster has also been helpful in getting parts so it's been a great experience overall and I have learned a ton!

A reminder for those on the East Coast as well as those who can travel to Greenwich Connecticut for the Greenwich Concours on the first weekend in June- this is truly a spectacular car show with US classics including Packards on Saturday June 2 and European Sports cars on Sunday June 3. Since the location is right on Long Island Sound, there will also be an in-water display of some of the former 12 meter Americas Cup yachts. They have their website - Greenwich Concours.com

I am not affiliated with the show but I live in the area so if anyone needs any information I will try to give it to you. Also, if anyone from this site is planning to be there, I would love to meet you.

George

Great ad and thanks for hunting it down. I also remember seeing it on television when my brother and I were watching every possible sports event on "before cable" television. My father used to give us the same advice I give to my twelve and ten year old now - go out and play instead of watching somebody else play!

Thanks. I have to fix the glove box light. We are about to reinstall the clock as well so that will be an opportunity to correct the lights there as well.

Joe,

You mentioned in your post of the evening drive that all the lights, including the interior lights worked perfectly. I also have a 1940 convertible sedan and did not have any interior lights when I purchased the car. We decided to put in two lights under the dash, one to illuminate the driver side floor and one to illuminate the passenger side floor. Is that the proper interior lighting setup for the car or is there a different configuration? Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

George