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

I'm always trying to learn and I've always liked the 54 359 engine. Anyway, what is not correct or is everything correct on this engine as far as color is concerned? I didn't think the filter canister was supposed to be bronze color. Also, I like to guess at Ebay auctions and I think this one will not go over $10K but get close--anyone else want to guess?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1954-Packard-Patrician-4dr-/170962387734?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item27ce270316

The oil filter IS black, I think what you believe to be the oil filter is the power steering pump reservoir. That, the pump below it and the pulley should be semi-gloss black. Ditto for the fan pulley and the transmission oil cooler. Towards the rear I see an unpainted core plug, the block was painted with them installed so it should be engine color. Blue spark plug wires with red boots are also incorrect. Perhaps more errors, those are just the ones that jumped out at me on first glance.

PS - oil filler tube appears to be incorrectly installed, it should be more erect (nearer vertical).

PPS - that car brings back pleasant memories of the 54 Patrician I owned years ago and drove as a nearly everyday car for tens and tens of thousands of miles. Same colors (Galahad over Orchard greens) but mine had the woven nylon "Matelasse" upholstery.

Believe the Easamatic brake can is usually black instead of natural steel color.

A very nice car though. As to price, ???. I usually guess wrong so no comment. There was a black Pacific for sale in Washington state for a buy it now price of 5k. It needed work but was not as horrible as some have been. On ebay for at least a week with apparently no offers. Would have thought it would have gone early at that price considering another went for over 3 times that amount the week before. Wonder if it sold.

Yeah, I saw that Pacific that went for $18K about a week ago on Ebay and then there was another red that ended yesterday at around $10K that looked as nice or better--go figure. It does seem the more you reveal and better the car is described the better it will sell on Ebay. I emailed the seller of the red Pacific three times about engine pics and the engine serial number and never got either. That was a red flag to me.

Looks like a Gear Start Ultramatic equipped Patrician.

(o{}o)

Thanks for bringing that up JW. I never remember to ask but here goes:

what does gear start mean exactly?

Gear start was the name originally given at late 54 introduction to what became the Twin Ultramatic in 55 and 56. Guess they must have let engineering have the first go at a name instead of the ad people.

Like the later units, it had a two position forward or drive select function. One position would start and stay in high range with the shift to direct drive as regular Ultras had always done.The other or gear start position would start in low, shift to high, then into direct drive. The valving was refined for 55 and then refined again for 56.