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just purchased a 38packard six the car was dissasembled before I bought .Body is in primer, Frame is painted black. Not sure of my plans yet. Engine transmission rear end everything is there.

Welcome and even in pieces we would live to see photos! My first Packard was a very similar 1939 Six with factory R6 overdrive, the first year to offer the option.

A '38 Packard six in good condition is a very capable car. Good brakes, handling, great ride, adequate power and speed. The engine has full pressure lubrication, insert bearings, forged crankshaft, and an alloy block. When equipped with the overdrive option, these cars are very capable highway cars. Lacking overdrive, they're fully capable of running 60+ MPH all day long, assuming everything is in good shape.

Also a welcome. Overdrive was around in 38 for other cars but I believe the first Packard use of overdrive was the one year only (for Packard) Borg-Warner R6 unit which wasn't installed until the 39 models.

Glad you found the site! I was new to the site just a couple of years ago and have benefited tremendously. You’ll find a wealth of information here as well as a ton of expertise. I think you’ll find it a very friendly and helpful community.

Definitely start a project blog. It’s a great way to get answers to questions as well as document your progress.

Most likely, many of the questions you’ll have a long the way have answers with great photos in someone else’s blog.

G'day 38drakcap,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '38 Six in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.

Welcome aboard. Good luck with your project. Pictures and discussion go a long way.

Thanks all for the welcome .I will get some photos and register the car. Are guys customizing these cars? Just love the style ,the suicide doors [for lack of better term]. Very advanced car for its year. front coil suspension was a surprise. The sway bar setup in the rear is a style Ive never seen . The small port windows in the back. Beautiful for 1938.! Ive restored a few cars and still have 2 neither are Packard. bringing everything home monday .

If you go to the list of forums you’ll find a “modifications discussions” forum. I think you’ll find many who cringe over just about any modifications. You’ll also find those who want to make their cars uniquely their own. I, personally, love the history of the cars and prefer them to be mostly original, though I will be adding overdrive to my 1937 138CD. I see a lot of cars (various makes and models) that are customized. It’s generally not what I would want, but I can still really appreciate the craftsmanship etc…

My personal opinion is that it’s your car and it ultimately should be what you want. The reality is that your car doesn’t need to make everyone else happy, just you!

Welcome and we all agree with DonB - its your car and it needs to make you happy. Modifications? Heck yeah!, the king of our site has a Jag engine in his '37.

All on this site salute the same flag - Packard. As a long time Packard owner, I can tell you the hobby has evolved to welcome modifications that keep the cars on the road.

Keep us posted - very exciting to have a new project for us to help/counsel. And don't hesitate to advise on your want list - members on this site are extraordinarily generous...

DAF