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Hi all, first post both here on the forums and as a Packard Owner!
I’ve come into ownership of what I believe is either a 1939 or 1940 Packard 110/Six Business Coupe. It’s my understanding the manufacture plate on the firewall is a reproduction and may not be an accurate VIN so I’m figuring that out.

I’m pretty young for a Packard owner at 25 years old and as excited as I am to have one of my dream cars, I am a little overwhelmed. This car runs well, but there are a list of small issues that I have no idea where to even start to tackle (broken gauges, questionable wiring, no brake lights, pulling brakes, etc.) It doesnt help that most people my age have no idea what a Packard is, and those that do in the older crowd either seem to not take me seriously or extremely overprice for basic things.

I’m more than willing to learn, as I have some experience with classic cars (none this old though and am looking throw the online manuals). I guess my question is out side of the obvious issues, what are some things with either Packards or cars this old in general that I should check as a good starting point? Apologies if these questions have been asked to death!

Here is the picture tax! I’m thinking of naming her either Lucky Lou or the Garnet Gatsby!

Welcome and beautiful car! My vote is Lucky Lou. Rolls off the tongue better. I was 35 when I got my first Packard and I had no idea how to do anything on it. So I was pretty lost for quite a while. That was 5 years ago and I've learned a ton. Still learning as I go.

Thankfully your car appears in good condition and hopefully won't need anything major. Most of the issues you described you can do yourself if you have the tools and space (or access to them). My recommendation is to do what you can on your own so you gain the experience. For example, the brakes are intimidating if you aren't familiar with them, but they are actually quite simple to adjust and maintain. I suggest watching Ross Miller's video on adjusting drum brakes. This should help you get yours dialed in.


Do you know the maintenance history of the car? For example, how new are the brake components (hoses, wheel cylinders, brake fluid, shoes)? When was the oil last changed? Air filter, spark plugs, points, etc? The good men on this forum can help walk you through any questions and problems.

I also suggest adding your car to the Registry on this website, as well as making a Project Blog so we can follow along with your work on the car and provide answers to questions.

Looks like a mixture of years. Overall it's a 1939 but it has 1940 parking lights, early 1940 wheel covers and later 1940 bumpers. I can't tell from the photo but possibly even the headlight assembles are 1940.

I'm 26 and I was in the same boat when I bought my first one at 23. Post photos of the iffy stuff.

The brakes can be adjusted with a bleed and brake tool kit. You can either buy one or borrow one from an auto parts store. Note that brake fluid strips paint so be careful with it. Lots of YT videos out there showing how to bleed brakes on an old car. You don't need a pressure bleeder.

Wiring and gauges can be repaired or replaced. Let's see what the problems are and we can get it figured out.

1940 Packard parts are getting up there in terms of expense. It's a lot more than something like a Mustang or Model T. Post here what parts you are looking for with links or whatever and people can weigh in on the value.

Fortunately the car looks to have good paint and chrome which is most of the expense. Hopefully nice interior as well.

I would suggest you download both your own service manual, and the 51-54 manual, and read them in tandem. The 51 manual describes the operation of components in much more detail than the 40, but the cars are mechanically quite similar.

G'day TheSilentGuy65,
to PackardInfo.

As was suggeted previously, you are invited to include your '39 or'40 110m Coupe in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.

Welcome, I think you will find many helpful folks on this forum. I started driving dad's 23rd Series in high school when it would have been considered just a secondhand car, at least in those days I still had energy that seems lost today. Nice ride, I think you will enjoy.