Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Yesterday I saw a nice 1951 convertible at our big Vintage car fair here at the Lake Konstanz in Southern Germany.
Car is from Netherlands and the VIN plate states type 200, VIN 2454nnnn.
As far as I could find out this VIN seems to be incorrect as is the type which should be a 250.
Engine seems to be the correct one, but I did not have a look for its number ...







I am looking for a convertible from that era, but I'd prefer a 250 over a butchered up 200 ...

Any hints to clarify what kind of car this really is?

Regards,
Clemens

I rather expect that some sort of registration magic has taken place, as there is no such thing as a 2454 in the 48-54 Parts book. The car is a 2469 and looks quite correct in every detail except the missing hood letters. Perhaps nervousness during a registration check explains the discoloration of the seat.

It would be a lot of work to turn a club sedan 2495 into a convertible, much easier with a Mayfair 2467.

Thank you for your advice Ross.

Seats and interior are really nice and clean, but digital camera and artificial lights are playing tricks ...
This picture comes closer to the real condition of the interior



Regards,
Clemens

In addition to what has been stated, it's also worth noting that the convertible was introduced in 1951 as a 200 series vehicle and very shortly thereafter was rebranded as a 250 series. So technically an early 51 convertible could be a 200 series; the vehicle # at which the changeover from 200 to 250 is not known to me, but it would be a relatively early number relative to the total 1951 convertible production.

What is the vehicle number (on the A pillar as you open the front door)? That should resolve everything. If it's missing, give us the "theft-proof" number (large embossed number between triangle brackets on the cowl).

PS - I agree with ECA, the visual clues say 1952.

This looks like a 1952 model. No PACKARD letters on the hood (1951 only), crest on the grille (which started with the very late 1951s), and the two wings on the Pelican are straight back (1952 only). The vehicle number should start with 2579-____.

Yeah, their are a few things off about this car.

1. The stitching on the driver side cushion. You know the red bolster (at least) was replaced because the stitching doesn't line up. On my old Mayfair with the original cloth/leather upholstery which is hideous now, the stitching still lines up.

2.Dash: from what I understand, the 250 series in 51-52 should have the senior series dash which has coloring of (inner button to outer ring) gold green and silver with gold lettering. Also there is no trip meter.

3. The front end looks like a 1952 model but the headlight rings are from 53-54.

Wow!
4 Pictures and a wealth of information is coming.

I'd never have noticed the stitching ...
The head lamp rings struck me for beeing a little odd, but I thought it was due to the European head lamps installed.


Body panel gaps are not the very best, and here and there are some hints of a plasterer remodeling panels (didn't check with a magnet though).

VIN starts quite clearly with 2454 ... (which can't be true).
Maybe there will be some additional information from the seller to clarify this ...

Regards,
Clemens

Some news:
The seller found the original VIN. It reads 2469 ...
Trim code 696, paint code T which should be ivory. So the car was repainted in more or less the correct color.
Engine is 327 CID. (No engine code)
Top is not working on hydraulics any more, but the pump seems to be still in place.

Seems like the bonnet and grille were replaced long time ago, maybe after an accident?


Any ideas how much fully working hydraulic gears for the hood might cost? Are they still available (used)?

Keeping everything in mind the seller's proposed price seems to be rather high (but we are in Europe, Prices are quite different from US prices...)

What price would I have to expect in the US?

Regards,
Clemens

Hydro-E-Lectric in Florida just rebuilt a hydraulic pump for me for about $450. But I had some missing parts.

I replaced the convertible top cylinders in my '54 just about a year ago. Hydro-e-lectric charged $139.00 each. The fit was excellent, bolted right in.