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

Hi Bob

Perhaps you should investigate this '51 200, looks very good for the price, a bit higher than the one you were considering:
http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5463417013.html

David gives good advice, get to know the folks in your local Packard regions, you'll be glad you did!

Steve

Turns out this Packard is for sale again. Apparently the previous buyer didnt have the cash. I went and looked at it today and here is what I found:

From Plate on Door pillar:
VN: 2562 19397
Paint scheme: looks like an ink stamp of "D"
Trim Code: Lookslike an ink stamp of "D 4" but very hard to make out.

-Stamp on engine: K226968
(should this match the VN?)
-Odomoter: 42690.7 (no idea how many times it has spun over)
-Engine runs extremely well. Super smooth running off a tube to carb from funnel (i.e. not running from gas tank)
-No brakes so didnt engage transmission while running
-Surface rust underneath but all very solid. Not even spare tire wheel well (viewed from underneath) is rusted through
-Paint is very good. I wouldnt have a need to paint this car at all
-Inside is ok. Cloth should be replaced, door panel trim needs a little work. Floor pans (from underneath are solid)
-Front chrome grill is broken in one spot. (are these repairable?)
-Radio doesnt work


Summary:
I know i need to redo brakes from master cylinder to drums. (work I would do myself)
I know that the manual transmission is TBD as couldnt test it out.
Needs new tires.
Price is probably going to be just under $4K.

Any thoughts on this car?

thank you very much

K2XXXXX engine number corresponds correctly to a 25th Series 200 (2501 chassis, 288 engine). Paint Code "D" = Labrador Gray.

No, the VIN would not match the engine number but that it's the proper engine is good and that it's solid and runs well is even better. The Packard on Craig's List seems a better deal, though, so it wouldn't hurt to check it out. Note the incorrect mirror and antenna, and at least one photo shows a black wall tire on the back left.

Not sure if the potmetal grille parts can be repaired, or just glued from behind maybe. Maybe you can just buy the part you need, the center sections come apart but I assume the broken part is the main outer piece?

Interestingly, my car is Labrador Grey and interestingly I'm probably going to someday paint it ivory with a red top.

The engine running well is huge, the relative lack of rustouts is great (did you check for bondoed areas) and the rest we've covered so add up the costs and away you go!

I love my 52 ! I say this while waiting for a tow truck
Think the rear axel blew up
I've fixed up all kinds of things on this car and then I like it more
Sounds like 2tons of big fun to me
I put in a booster and front discs that was a huge plus for this tank to stop good
I could go on and on
I paid more for my project car in the beginning
If it's got s manual you can work out a Borg Warner overdrive and you have a freeway cruiser

Bob(kbess1107),
Although not the '52 200 Deluxe you were initially eyeing, for including your '55 Patrician Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry!

Thanks to all for your helpful advice. I went and saw it and while it was in pretty good shape, we couldn't agree on a price. It's been sold to someone else.

But I did end up buying a '55 Patrician instead and am now trying to get up close and personal with it to see what it really needs to get it in decent condition.

thanks again for your advice. Look for upcoming posts from me on '55 Patrician specific questions. -Thx

Do you happen to have photos of the 55 you can post? There was only one blue 55 in the area that i know of when my uncle and i had our shop. We worked on it some, and it was a pretty solid car from what i remember. I'm wondering if it's the same car.