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'52 Packard Mayfair.

Seller has it listed as a '53 but the numbers are for a '52. Excellent interior, rough exterior. Hasn't run in 20 years. I'm waffling between making an offer on it. I've always liked Mayfair's. Probably not the right time for me though.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/bellingham-1953-packard-mayfair/7067524356.html

That's the same one posted here a couple dats ago which has the five per side scoops on the rear fenders when there should be three or four.

What would a 'realistic' offer be on a car like that??? I always hate it when the seller leaves that completely blank. Chris

Well I offered him $1,500 because of how much work it's going to take to get it back in shape. He said he's had multiple offers of $3,000. I have no idea what is fair for something like this. I like that the interior is in good shape, but the paint is destroyed. With the paint flaking off like that it makes me think it's in a very damp environment, which means likely rust elsewhere. The engine is the wrong color and it looks like there is some interesting work that was done to it (upper radiator hose and blue parts??).

Don - I guess I missed that previous posting. Yes, the 5 scoops are kind of odd.

KevinPackard, maybe that's WHY guys like this seller leave the price blank, as I was thinking $5000-$6500 would be more where the cutting line would be on this car. Of course, those like yourself, with more experience and a more discerning view than I have, see the anomalies and the red flags. Personally, I thought the peeling paint might have been from a repaint that wasn't properly prepared, but if that is original colour coming off then you're right - probably a whole different 'kettle of crawdads'. I know there is a guy here in my small town in Canada that has a 58 Pontiac sitting outside in his yard and he CLAIMS he has turned down $5000CDN (+/-$3700US) for it, and MY take was 'are you nuts!?!?' - I wouldn't give him $300 for the rust-bucket! Sometimes it is a case of just not knowing market value of a given automobile and others, a totally distorted misperception of true dollar value. Chris.

Chris - I hardly have any experience, but looking at the pictures I see dollar signs adding up in my head. 1K for tires, several thousand for paint, who knows what needs to be done on the engine and transmission, etc, etc. There are nice driver-quality Mayfair's that go for 10-15K occasionally, and this car could easily cost that much or more to get to that level. I counter-offered $3100 but haven't heard back. Not sure what others are offering now, but any more than that is too rich for my blood. I'd rather save up and get one that's in much better shape that I don't have to rebuild.

-Kevin

I couldn't agree more, Kevin. I posted on the Barrett Jackson auction last week in Scottsdale and there were Packards going across the block there that looked amazing to me, for in and around $30K. No way you can touch a body & paint, an engine rebuild, and an interior for anywhere NEAR that. A guy is way further ahead 'buying it done' than starting with an expensive rustbucket. The only exception to that is for those very talented folks that can do most of it themselves, and there is all kinds of pride and satisfaction in that and I take my hat off to those artisans. Unfortunately, I am not gifted in that talent pool and must 'buy it'. There's no doubt which side of that equation yields better value, and if a worthy restoration can be found, that's where I'd want to spend my money. I WILL do a good job of tweaking it and keeping it in good order, once I own it!! LOL Chris.

Not Craigslist and not sure if the collection will be publicly listed but a friend of a friend whom collects Packards is selling his collection. I was sent these photos of one from the stable

If there's interest let me know and I will get more Information on this and the others

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That 41 2 door, does it have factory air conditioning?