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

I just found out that a neighbor has a 1952 Packard 200 Sedan in restorable condition. ( Basically all there, but the interior is not very good. ) VN is 2562-23496. THe engine appears to be a 327. Are 327's a popular replacement engine? Any ideas on what a car like this is worth ballpark-wise?

I believe the 327 engine is a "drop in" for the 288. It would be interesting to get the engine# and see if it's a 5 or 9 main bearing version.

Would you be so kind when you see the car again to get me the embossed firewall # (thief-proof) and the Briggs body # (small tag near heater)? Many thanks.

I'd consider the 52 200 sedan as an "entry level" Packard; the price could vary considerably based on condition but should be quite modest. Price guides are just that, guides, but one I use often shows a low of $1425 for poor but complete, to about $10,000 for an 85-95 point car. $15,000 for a "perfect" one.

Thank you for the information. I will try to get the numbers that you asked about soon.

In 1952 Packard offered the "300 Cavalier" 5-main bearing, hydraulic lifter, 327 cu. in. engine as an option in the 200 and 250 models. Those engine numbers were in the K-400000 series. The 9-main bearing, hydraulic lifer, 327 cu. in. engine in the "400 Patrician" were in the K600000 numbering series.

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Is a "drop in" a term for a dealer engine swap? Was this a common thing for Packard to do?

By "drop in" I meant to convey that the 327 would interchange into a car that came with a 288 with no special effort or changes required. Take one engine out, drop in another. Motor mounts are the same, external engine dimensions essentially the same, transmission bolt-up the same, etc.

Dealers did all manner of things, but I doubt this was a common one; someone has pointed out the 327 was available in a 200 model. If the engine has been changed it more than likely was the result of a later owner who perhaps cracked an engine block or otherwise decided it was easier to replace the existing engine than to rebuild the original one.

The anti-theft number that you asked about is D60559. I need to go back with chalk to try to get the engine number. I couldn't read it as it is.

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I just received the September issue of The Cormorant New Bulletin and it has a chart similar to the one posted on this site that lists the avaiable engines, displacements, HP etc. And it also confirms the five main bearing 327 as an option on the 200 Deluxe in 1951 and 1952.

So now I need to go and look at my engine again to see what I really have. I always assumed it was a 288. Maybe we'll both have a pleasant surprise.

The anti-theft number that you asked about is D60559.

Want to check that again? The stamping may not be all that crisp but I believe the first character should be a "B"; the "D" prefix and number would correspond to a very late 1956 car.

Thank you both. I will re-check.