I went and looked at my prize again. I DID get the engine to turn over by hand. I also noticed that the radiator was still full of antifreeze. Poked around the car and found that I have a few extra pieces and bits. The nicest bit is the external sunvisor that is in the trunk. It has the jack and most all other goodies. I found the missing chrome pieces through eBay in Sparks, Nevada. I am still looking for a full set of wheelcovers. I'll probably have to settle for a 'regular' set, since my budget (and the scarcity of them) probably negates the possibility of purchasing a set of the closienne beauties. I need a hood ornament. The owner had three, but none were correct.

Jim,
I know this is a bit off topic, but the 1960 Imperial is one of my all-time favorite Imperials - not an ugly line on that car. I love that big cow catcher grille and bumper, striking dash. Somewhat garish, yet not nearly as over-the-top as a Caddy of the same era. That Imp is another car that has been on my 'want' list for years. I go to the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance and have always admired the '60 convertible that shows up regularly. Heck any of those 57-60 Imperials are great. My dad and I restored his '63 LeBaron. Awesome cars. Hard to find in nice shape, although a few nice ones end up on eBay from time to time, but always out of my reach.

You have two nice ones. My Patrician is a project but I am excited nevertheless.

Well, my offer was accepted!! I will soon have possession of my Packard Patrician. I will post pics as soon as I receive it. I must say I am absolutely thrilled! I'm not so sure my girlfriend is as excited...

Well Guys (and gals)I appreciate all of the comments about my search. I have made an offer on the 51 Patrician. We'll see where it goes. For those of you interested...it is dark blue, blue and grey interior. It has a rear seat speaker, still has the foot rests, power antenna, Exterior sunvisor, windshield washers, Ultramatic, day/night mirror. No power steering, brakes or windows. No power seat. A pretty basic car. I am rather thankful that it doesn't have any of these things - less to break or fix.
In stark contrast to my 51 Imperial club coupe.... which has Power windows, steering and brakes, windshield washers, exterior sunvisor, spotlight and fog lights.

The Packard doesn't seem as luxurious as the Imperial. Kinda of an understated elegance, although the interior appointments seem much richer. Perhaps that is what Packard buyers wanted. Both cars are somewhat devoid of any tasteless chrome, both cars have skirts. In my opinion, the Packard is more modern looking.

I calmly wait (not really ) to see if my offer is accepted.
Mark

Thanks for the info. I have been a Packard lover since I was a boy. Now I'm nearly 50 and have had well over 100 cars in all states of repair, mostly Chrysler Products. So far I've looked at 52 300, a 47 Clipper, a 54 Clipper, a 55 400 and now this Patrician. It's better than all of the others body and chrome wise. Interior is all there, but tired. I appreciate the caveats about why it won't turn or why it was parked. I know the Ultramatic can be an issue and a major expense. The eight cylinder engine is expensive to overhaul as well, but probably no more expensive than the Hemi in my 51 Imperial. I suspect the owner doesn't know as he bought it at an auction "so it wouldn't get crushed". The car is in very restorable condition. He seems easy to work with, and may let me pull the plugs and put a little marvel oil or PB blaster down the cylinders. I tried to turn it by hand - no movement. These engines didn't have an enormous amount of compression, so it should be easy to turn. On the plus side, the air cleaner has been on it, it's been stored in a enclosure. I am the most optimistic of this car, but afraid of the chrome pieces. I know how hard it can be to try and put together a fairly low production car - 9001 I believe. My Imperial club coupe has only 1189 built.

I am fairly competent mechanically - not afraid to tackle the engine or any of the electrics. Transmission is a different story. I remember the crusty old transmission guy (every town had one)when I was was a boy - he had a fair amount of contempt for Dynaflows and Ultramatics. He called them Dyna-pukes and Problem-atics.

My Pop always told me if you have a good body to start with, the mechanicals are just that...mechanics. Body work and paint is expensive, especially to have something done to the quality I feel a Packard demands or at least deserves.

Keep the comments coming.
Thanks and Cheers
Mark

Hi. New to the club. Been looking for a Packard for quite some time. I have looked at several. Today, I looked at a dark blue 1951 Patrician.Pretty rust free, last registered in 1993. 90 complete. Engine doesn't want to turn over. My concern is....all of the trim from the right rear door back is gone: ultramatic script, gravel guard, door and fender chrome is gone. Hard to find? Should I pass on this one? It's very reasonably priced. Thanks!