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I know there are a whole lot of 'it depends' associated with this question but what the heck. It will be interesting to see the responses.

Intented purpose is non-interstate recreational driver.
Both priced mid teens.

Vote for A or B

A. 29 633 7 passenger Sedan with side mounts(no covers)
Good complete running original
Starts right up and sounds like a Packard
Minimal surface rust only - no rust through
Original paint thin in places but not bad
Needs chrome re-plating
Needs tires
Older interior restoration (from pictures I have found, it looks like a match to orginal upholstery style)

B. 37 120c Sedan with side mounts
Engine rebuild with less than 100 miles
Slight engine 'tick' but will be taken care of by rebuilder
California car so virtually no visible rust
Recent repaint but not very good job
Needs some chrome re-plating
Needs tires
Interior needs all new upholstery

Aside from what you've stated, the 2 cars have almost nothing in common except the name of the manufacturer; the big obvious difference is driveability and cost of maintenance/repairs. 120 parts are pretty plentiful and relatively inexpensive; can't say the same for the older one. The 120 is less limited in terms of highway use, and less-demanding to drive.

I'd be asking myself what kind of a Packard to i want to own, be seen in and driving.

Cars are the opposite of women in this regard, when in doubt, go with the oldest one. You just don't do that with women.

The 1929 Packard is a full Classic with a Capital C.It is not, however, an easy car to maintain.All things being equal, it is the best buy.

love them both, but the 37 to me is the better looking car. it would be my pick

I certainly would make a close inspection of both cars. However if there is some rust on the 29 I would want to make a close inspection of the wood frame work on the car.
Looking for wood rot insect damage. If there is that kind of damage to the wood, repairs can become a budget buster real fast.

Just my own thoughts in the end you are going to have make
the final decision. With out seeing pictures of both cars it is kind of hard giving any sound advice.


John F. Shireman

If you are not interested in the 29, could you post the ad.I would love to know where I can get a full classic Packard for that price that I can get in and drive.

I would choose the 733, mindful however as Owen already mentioned, it will be more difficult to drive than the 120. Parts would be much more expensive and difficult to find also for the 733 if that is a concern. My advise would be to buy which ever car you like the most.

All of the advice above is true. Remember that the 733 is good for 50ish mph tops, and the engine has babbitt bearings. You will need to be, or to employ a master craftsman to rebuild that engine if/when the time comes.

The 37 cruises faster, brakes better and has longer range also, any competent mechanic should be able to rebuild/work on the engine. If you want it to drive buy the 37. If you are willing to brave the aforementioned high cost/lack of parts in order to drive that majestic 733, go for it.

Scott

Remember that the 733 ........engine has babbitt bearings. You will need to be, or to employ a master craftsman to rebuild that engine if/when the time comes.

Perhaps a tad overstated. Yes, you'll have to provide the crankpin measurements to the shop babbiting the rods, and you'll need a good machine shop to line-bore the main bearings, but in most other regards the skill set required isn't much different from one engine to the other. Costs however will be more for the older engine. If you have the skills to do a 120 engine, you probably have the skills to do the other.