First off let me say thanks to all for the very immediate and knowledgeable input. Some really good and entertaining comments!

Unfortunately, despite Rusty O's advice to stay away from old cars and instead choose other forms of debauchery, it's too late. While I've never had a Packard I have had other old rides - currently have a '64 Ford Galaxie Convertible which is restored. But I've always wanted an older 1940's convertible and I never thought it would be a Packard, but I'm pursuing this opportunity.

So now that the option of walking away from old cars has been taken off the table, I wrote a late night email to the owner last night asking to clarify between the engine block and the exhaust manifold. This morning's reply: Manifold. (As with many of you, a cracked block just didn't make sense to me... hence the reason I wrote this forum yesterday.)

Hoping I'm not pushing my luck as I'm technically just a "Ford guy" right now... Here are two other areas I would love to receive Yoda-like input on:

In addition to questions on the engine, I inquired about the transmission and if it was rebuilt as part of the restoration. It's the Ultramatic. He stated that he rebuilt the original transmission two times and finally, on the third time around, he found a fresh 1951 transmission with all the factory kinks ironed out. Not original and 100% completely correct, but he wanted a fully restored driver and was tired of the BS concern of the trans he had. His philosophy is there's original, then there's dead by the side of the road original. His quote: "I restored it to drive, not park." Sounds plausible to me... make sense to you? (note: the car is a 23 series).

Lastly (for now!), the car is in the Los Angeles area. I live in the San Francisco area. Any good/trusted shops in LA (specifically the San Fernando Valley) to take the Packard to for given' it the one's over?

Again, thanks much and best of the new year to all!

(Last note: If I do buy the Packard, the Ford will be up for sale).

Hi all,

I am very seriously considering buying a Packard. Never owned one before. I'm looking at a '49 that has a 356 in it. I will be physically looking over the car next week or so while traveling on business. All seems to be in nice order but I do have one question: In detailed discussion I learned the engine developed a cracked block in the late 90's. This was attributed to a wrong muffler being installed. This muffler was since corrected. The seller stated the block is fine and as is and the engine operates wonderfully Knowing these engines and working on them are not cheap!... any thoughts regarding the topic of the block?

Grateful for all the input received!

(FYI - the balance of the car appears immaculate and I've had other questions answered by guys from the local Packard club who have been very generous with their time/knowledge).