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

Well every little thing that I have done on my 1951 model 200 with the 288ci engine and standard 3 speed transmission has made it run better, and more reliable, I hope. So I am getting to were I can drive it around town, and am wondering what is a good cruising speed, how hard will it accelerate, what is a top speed, what is typical fuel consumption ? I am using unleaded regular mixed with instead of lead. I am driving at an altitude of 1500-2500ft. Also what RPM is it running at for say 55-65 mph? Looking forward to your insights.

Just took my 54 Clipper with 288 (essentially the same as your car) on a camping trip, loaded down with gear and did 360 miles in the weekend. According to the modern car following we did up to 75 (80+ on my speedometer). Some slow steep climbs on secondary roads required near full throttle in third for a mile or so.

This 54 has overdrive. If you have straight three speed I would keep it below 70 as that would be 3300 rpm. 60 is about 2900.

Motor Trend said the top speed for your car was 93 in an average of 4 runs. 0-60 by manually shifting the Ultra was 12.5 seconds. The smaller and endlessly touted Rocket 88 Olds was .3 seconds faster with its extra 15 cubes.