The photo looks like it has been digitally altered or enhanced with perhaps HDR software. The colors look fake as does the shine on the paint.

HDR is High Dynamic Range photography and it allows changing the color saturation, warmth of the color, contrast, and brightness in the most simple versions of the software. It can also be done on photos taken with a phone.

If this car did indeed come from the factory that way I would hope that someone does not change it. I also work on English Motorcycles and there are many "Peter Parts Book" folks out there who go by the parts books for motorcycles made in the late 40's into the early 60's who change vehicles to match the parts book, which in many cases were produced after the fact and did not take into account running changes and special orders. I know of one Norton Motorcycle that was purchased directly from the factory and it has many unusual features that are not in the parts book.

People assume that many factories did not do special orders but I think in 1956 Packard would do anything within reason if you were willing to pay for it.

YMMV,
Rick

1951 Packard barn find. $1500.00 Washington State

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/5840135219.html

1952 parts car - no drive train
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/pts/5836088399.html

I replace the larger spring on mine and the door handle does not droop as badly as before but there is a second spring that I did not replace. That smaller spring should be replaced at the same time I believe.

The locks in my '39 Super 8 were surprisingly clean inside. Not as dirty as I expected. I used lithium grease on the internals of the lock. I was taught to retract the lock when closing the doors as a child and I still do that most times on my Super 8.

Rick
'39Super 8 (1703)

I had the same issue with my switch. I opened it up and saw that if I pushed it all the way it passed the contacts. No problem, if I push it too far I just come back about a 1/16" and the starter turns over.

Rick
'39 Super 8 (1703)

Hello,
I have a drooping door exterior handle on my '39 Super 8. I have new springs and can see where the broken spring is but I wonder if there is a trick to removing the door lock to replace the spring.

It looks somewhat straight forward but I wonder if it is not. I have searched both here and on the Internet and have found no informantion. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Rick

Thank you,
Rick M
'39 Super 8

Hello,
Can you tell me what the torque value you used on your engine?
I have a 39 Super8 (320 cu in) that is now running for the first time since. 1967. I need to check the head for proper torque.

Thanks,
Rick M
'39 Super 8

Thank you, I just found some information in the Packard library, under service info on this site.

The information you gave is more complete than listed (although the service information is quite extensive).

Rick