Packard Forum Index » Packard Vehicles - For Sale, Wanted, Trade

During the winter months, I enjoy perusing online looking for Packards, Volkswagens, saxophones and Bull Terriers that I do not need. My wife keeps a baseball bat within range in case I get serious. :)

Case in point is this car...

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1956-packard-400-new-braunfels-tx-2828085

This one, is very good looking, but the price is crazy hefty it seems. I understand that it is a dealer and that they tend to ask over the top prices or the consignee has an amount in the car that they need to get out of it.

This 56 is a good looking car. Hope the aftermarket AC doesn't bother you. :) To get a car to this level it takes quite an investment. paint, chrome, interior and the related labor. The advert states that 80k was invested. Possible? Thoughts?

What price would make this an acceptable ask?

I have seen a number of very nice 400 coupes going around 30k. There was a time in my life where a project car was fun. Now, I run the other way. I like to drive, enjoy and maintain.

Just wondering
Chris

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This car was brought up previously, maybe a few months ago. Where to begin? For that kind of money the car should be 100% correct, original, and super low miles. Even then the asking price is too high.

It has 95K miles on it, definitely not original, and many things incorrect. Aftermarket A/C is one, but that can be forgiven. However, there is also the addition of an electric wiper motor, aftermarket radiator, incorrect trunk upholstery, multiple springs added to the accelerator linkage, incorrect hood pad, and damage to the stainless trim on the passenger rear.

Then there's the interior. First of all it appears to be using a '55 front seat, which is very different than a '56 front. And the choice of fabric for the upholstery is....terrible. Why they chose not to use correct material available from SMS when having the seats redone, is a complete mystery. That fabric can't be unseen.

I'm fine with cars not being 100% correct. I get it. But the asking price has to reflect that compromises were made. If the asking price is 48K, it should be compared to other cars that have sold. For reference, here is a gorgeous '56 400 in Mojave Tan and Dover White that sold in 2022 for $52K. That 400 is flawless. It sold on the absolute upper end for what can be asked of this model (in my opinion). I would not put the red/white 400 in the same ballpark. Yes, the exterior on the red/white is very nice, but the interior is not. The seats will need to be completely redone.

***Edit...didn't realize the asking price was $48K now. Adjusted text above to reflect it.

Asking is currently 48K.

Beautiful car.... good "driver" condition?

They're asking $45k but have $80 into it. Either way, far too much, especially with the incorrectness that Kevin pointed out.

Quote:

Add to the price sales tax, and a DOC fee, whatever that my be.

Wonder how they spent that 80k. No word whatsoever on the driveline. I can tell the seats and trunk lining are new. Carpet looks original but has those huge ugly floor mats presumably covering up wear.

The seats were not redone with the correct fabric; I'm almost certain you can get it from SMS since it was used in several different trims for 56. Of course the trunk lining is not the original type either. Hood pad looks like something off eBay. Gold paint on the engine is overapplied and already flaking off the exhaust crossover manifold (obvious on photo #82). Driver door card lower metal trim is dinged to all hell (photo 92). Maybe this is what happens when you let your local restoration shop do whatever they want instead of working with actual experts.

Edit: I wrote this response before seeing anyone else's, so please forgive some redundant remarks.

Lots of good feedback. My guess, some one dumped a bunch of cash into this thing without care. It is pretty... will be interesting to see how long it sits.

thanks
Chris

Good Morning...Just some random thoughts...Yes the price really is too high! The price will come down because a knowledgeable Packard person will recognize what has been done to the car. However, a person who does not know what the car should be...might pay the price or something close to it. The second real question is what paperwork is available...Who rebuilt the running gear...Engine, manual transmission, overdrive, rear end, front end ect. How does it drive? Prehaps at $30,000.00 it might be a good driver for someone who just wants to go to breakfast and the hardware store. My last point is that it is better as it is than to have been parted out. Ernie in Arizona

If you're not concerned so much about the originality but want a nice period car if there is some documentation regarding the work completed, it could be right for someone. Considering the cost to build one, mid to low 30's might work.

It is good looking... that in itself will help find a buyer who will pay the higher price.

Chris

It's sold.

Called today to gather more information... the 400 is sold. Was told by the salesman that it went stayed in the Texas area.