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

Out for a drive last night, and spotted this 54 Pacific. It is a local Billings car. It's in front of a house that had burned, and is now being rebuilt. The car looks like it's been on the trailer for a while, as all four tires are flat, and at least one tire is split. The car is straight, with the usual rust out in the rear fenders. The interior is original, but badly deteriorated - useful for a pattern. It has a radio, and automatic. I think that this is the one with the 359 engine. The plastic is badly sun faded, as is the paint. It is basically unmolested (by humans, but not Mother Nature!) except for what looks like dual Pontiac mirrors on the fenders.

I'll watch it and see if I can find who owns it and what their intentions are.

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I've always considered the 54s to be the best of the 51-54 run and the senior models especially very fine cars and in demand. But despite that, it's so easy to get upside down on a closed car restoration. Yet - I'd love to see it saved. If you go again, can you get me the VN, theft-proof, and motor# if possible?

David, if you do not want it (and if it is for sale?) pls let me know

It wasn't in front of the house this morning. I'm trying to contact the folks who are remodeling the house to find out more about the car.

Finally tracked down the owner. The car was close to a forest fire in Roundup MT several years ago, which melted the plastic lenses on the outside of the car. It belongs to his father in law, and the owner says that he is going to restore the car, with no intentions of converting it to a hot rod. Having said that, he is looking for the plastic lens for the taillights and side markers. Anyone have a line on a parts car for it? I understand that this model is fairly rare, but things like the rear taillights should interchange from other senior models.

He did promise me that if the renovation got too much for him, that he would call me. If that happens, I'll post it. I'm Packard poor at this time!

cool and thanks! the Packard Club sells these lenses on their website I think and they are listed in the CNB also I recall

David,
How long was RimRock motors a Packard dealer?

RimRock wasn't that the town in the Blazing Saddles movie? :^)
Wes

that was "Rock Ridge" in Blazing saddles, my dad was born in Billings and I remember seeing the Rimrock area well, even the airport is on the Rimrocks

As best I can find out, O'Roake Motors (the old Packard distributor and dealer) went out of business in the early 50's, and Rimrock Motors picked up the Packard dealership around 55 or so. They weren't in business too long, only a few years as best I can determine. There are several Rimrock car dealerships today, i.e. Cadillac, Subaru, etc. I don't know if there is any relationship. The name Rimrock is applied to lots of businesses in town, sort of like "Big D whatever company" in Dallas.