Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi Martin, your 180 looks very nice! Thanks for posting here.

Jim

Martin
I saw that car on eBay and thought it looked pretty nice too. Great touring car.
My father and step-father both live in Roswell, Ga., and they both have 180 Packards. If you want any local advice, let me know. They've owned 180 Packards since 1958.
My car is a 1940 1808, which is a bit longer than yours, but I can say with confidence it is a great touring car, especially if you can get the Econo-Drive installed. I'd also be happy to advise you if you need.

Sounds great, West. The 180 owners need to hang together. I'm getting it cleaned up for its first Georgia run (in the 90 - 100 degree heat) maybe for this weekend. Waiting on the oil pan gasket to arrive. It's not quite as spiffy as the photos make it look, but still pretty nice.

Both the Antique Automobile Club and the Classic Car Club have pretty active regions in Atlanta. I would consider joining both, if you haven't done so already.

Wait till you drive the car for a while.

No doubt overdrive is a desirable thing to have but the stock Packard is one of the best hiway cars of its time, with plenty of power and speed. Chances are, you won't miss the overdrive.

I used to have a 1949 Eight that had no trouble at highway speeds, so I hope for much the same with this car.

My father's 2008 limousine does not have overdrive, and it's comfortable at 65mph. It can go faster, but it feels like it's working too hard for anything above that.

My 1940 has overdrive, and it's hard to hold it under 80mph on the freeway. I keep it at 70mph, but it wants to go faster.

west, I recall talking to your father a long time ago and he mentioned that he got a speeding ticket in his 1941 180 in New York I think. Seems to me he said he was doing 80mph or more in a 55 zone.

It will go that fast, but like I said, it's kind of pushing the envelope a bit. I don't think it's entirely comfortable at that speed the way my 1940 is.