I think someone said earlier that the car chooses you. Well, that was the case for me. I'm 33, and have long been into cars courtesy of my Dad and my brother. Like many others, I grew up "helping" change oil and tires and clean the family cars at an early age. Mostly on the family's 64 Malibu. Mom was the original owner, and got the car and her first date with my dad on the same day...and both still run!

When I was little, I remember my brother had this collection of coins with different cars on them. Mostly coach built type cars. I remember always being intrigued by that one Packard coin for some reason!

My first love wound up being a 68 Mustang Fastback when I was 16. I must admit, Mustangs will always remain my first love, and I've owned many. One day though, while driving across the country with my wife, I happened on a 1951 2 door 200 in South Dakota, and I just had to have it. That big grill, the lines, 3 on the tree w/overdrive and a straight 8... Who could resist?!!

It's been two years since I've owned her, and although she's not seen the road yet, we are very close. I hope to get her to Lead East later this year for those of you who know what that is. There was a serious lack of Packards there last year...as in none...and that is not acceptable. How else will we keep the even younger folks than I interested if there's none around at any of the shows!

Thanks for listening...I've enjoyed this thread!

Ok...first question...here it goes!

One of the first things I did when I got my Packard was strip the nasty old interior. Being blessed with a solid car, complete with solid trunk and floor pans, there was literally no metal work to be done. I wire brushed, cleaned, and painted the trunk and floors with POR-15. Have used the stuff for many years with very good results.

My question is this. I've read the thread about trunks, and I know mine would have originally been flocked. I, however, would like to update a little and either carpet or rubber mat the trunk. I've seen, as I'm sure some of you have too, a seller on eBay selling precut trunk coverings. They are listed for a Patrician though. I spoke to the gent on the phone, and he isn't certain it will work in the 200. Doesn't want to sell me something that won't work...which is very commendable.

Will it work? I have a hard time believing the Pat and the Base model had different trunks. Here is a link in case you haven't seen this before. Thoughts anyone?

eBay

Thanks for the welcome guys!

Ozstatman- No big modifications planned for now, but I don't rule anything out for down the road!

Peter- Love the 2 doors! And yes, this car is very unmolested. Still surprises me the more I work on it just how solid and complete the car is!

Ross- I absolutely can't wait to get this beauty on the highway! I do indeed have a standard trans with overdrive, but no 327...288.

Bobby- Thanks for the link to a Bill Hirsch...will come in handy, no doubt.

BH- Have already downloaded just about every piece of literature for '51...but thanks for the info!

Let me just say...I am on a lot of different forums. It's been really refreshing cruising around this one over the last few months, as you all are the nicest group going. Never any attitude, or threads that turn into childish banter. Just fine folks sharing information about the cars they love...the way it should be!

Hello fine folks of Packard Info! I've been lurking these parts for quite a few months now, gathering information, and learning as much as possible from those who have tread before me! I thought it might be a good time to introduce myself.

My name is Jason, and I own a 1951 200 Club Sedan, 2DR. Long story short...my wife and I were making our way cross-country from San Fran to NJ. While driving through SD, and passing the time surfing the web on my phone while the wife took a driving shift, I happened upon this '51 a mere 100 mi from our then location! So...a right turn off Interstate 90, 100 miles, and $2000 later, I owned a Packard. And here we are.

The car instantly spoke to me. Absolutely loved the lines, and had to have it! I'm a gear head through and through, and many different vehicles pique my interest. Grew up turning wrenches on the family's '64 Chevy Malibu. My mom bought the car brand new, and had her first date with my Dad on the same day...and both still run! My first love was a 68 Mustang Fastback that I drove through HS and College. A string of other Mustangs after that, before getting into the Jeep hobby. The current "fleet" consists of a 2011 Mustang GT, 2006 Rubicon Unlimited Jeep w/self restored 1967 Stevens M-416 Military Trailer, 2006 Mini Cooper S, 2007 Harley Street Bob, and of course, the '51! I know....too many toys!

Now, little did I know about this car when I purchased it except for the fact that it was the straightest, most solid 61 year old car I had ever seen, thanks to not living in the rust belt of NJ! But how could I resist the funkiness of that Straight 8?! Super cool in my book, and not something you see everyday! The car was advertised as running, however we were not able to get it to fire while I was there. No matter though...the engine turned freely, so I knew it would be fine with a thorough going over. Arranged the shipping a few weeks after buying it, and it now lives with me in Northern NJ. As luck would have it, I quickly realized that one of the world's largest supplier of Packard parts, Kanter, is about 15 miles from my house! Extremely convenient, and highly dangerous for the wallet!

To date, I have gutted the interior and started to go through all the mechanicals of the car. I have already compiled a fair amount of parts, and my main goal for right now is to get it back on the street where it belongs. Once I get it running, I will start working on the body on a long term basis.

I hope I've not been too long winded! I look forward to contributing to the forum and learning as much as I can. I'm sure I'll be picking a lot of your brains...but I promise I'll always search first! (The other "toys" have made me Forum friendly!)

Last but not least, some pictures of my girl! Enjoy!

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