Packard Forum Index » General

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1937-Packard-120-1566267.xhtml?conversationId=765471

Above is a link to a 1937 Packard 120 coupe currently listed on Auto Trader for $21,000.

I'd appreciate feedback on price/condition.

I'm not keen on the dark brown body color.

Kind regards
Garrett Meadows

correct wheels are included
very pretty style
believe it is missing the lower stainless strip along bottom edge of fender and running board

Its on CL for $19k

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/4501224140.html

Ditto above. The coupe is a desirable model, but it does need painting. I think I see some blistering of the paint behind the drivers door - rust maybe? The steering wheel probably is cracked - the leather cover will cost you judging points. The engine needs to be detailed at least. The wire wheels look nice, and cost about $1500 or so, but are not correct. I would use them if my car had them though. If you use the original wheels, you will probably need new 16 inch tires. The wires are probably 15".

My guess - 21,000 is a bit too high, but if you want a rumble seat coupe, it is probably worth pursuing. Suggest you point out the cost of the paint job - at least $5000, and could run as high as 8,000. (unless you can do it yourself). On the engine, even if it is in perfect running condition, getting it detailed will set you back about $300 or so. I'd ask about the radio - Harold Rushing could give you an estimate for fixing it. Figure $500 each for each bumper rechroming. The running board strips are about $225. A good going over by a Packard mechanic is probably a good idea and could help prevent some unpleasant surprises. Checking with the local Packard club would help.

My gut feel - I would go about 16,000 to 18,000, assuming I had that much money in the bank! If you decide to go for it, suggest you bring $100 bills. It tends to make negotiating easier if the seller sees the money in your hand.

It is the Sport Coupe model. Rear trunk rack is a nice option. It has all the steps to the rumble seat. They can be hard to find and costly. Interior is not authentic, probably vinyl. Good it has the stock wheels. You can sell the wire wheels and tires and recoup some of the expense needed to get new tires. Overall an attractive looking car, but the devil is in the details. Too bad the engine compartment is so dirty, really takes away from the car. Steering wheels can be repaired and repainted, not cheaply but not too expensively either. Looks to have a stock radio and an after market heater. I think it could be made into a nice looking Packard, but it will take some coin to do so. I agree with David --- $16-18K would be about right as it appears in the photos. Let us know what you find and decide.

(o{}o)

If you do decide to buy the car, then the first thing I would do is remove the aftermarket Southwind heater. Couple of reasons: (1) you live in Reno and (2) unlike most heaters that use hot water from the engine cooling system, the Southwind burns gasoline from a line plumbed into the fuel supply line. Not the safest thing in my opinion.

They do sell on eBay and you should get enough to find an OEM heater - if you think you need one.

Wow! Thank you and the others immensely for the wealth of info. I appreciate it. First, the obvious need for a paint job was a primary concern. Second, to my untrained eye, I knew the tires/wheels were not correct. Glad that he has the originals. Third, the after-market was troubling, especially since it was pointed it that it uses gas from the fuel line. Yikes! Scary thought of what might happen. Fourth, all the other issues you pointed out in addition to the paint job, engine detailing, etc, could easily tack on additional $10K to the selling price. Merciful heavens. This hobby is not for the financially faint of heart.

Again, thank you for the info. I appreciate you looking at the car.
kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Good lord! Scary just thinking about the potential serious safety issues with the heater. I'm so glad to have found this place. A novice like me could really get suckered into both costly and physically dangerous mistakes.

I appreciate your input.
kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Yes, the rumble seat/trunk, plus being a 120 coupe model are what initially attracted me to the car--in addition to the price. Based on your input and that of the other Packard pro's, it would take, conservatively, $10K to get the car looking presentable and reliably functional. To be honest and not overly dramatic, but that after-market heater is pretty scary, considering it is interfaced with the fuel line. Good lord! One can only imagine what might happen.

Thank you for taking the time to give me your valuable input. I appreciate it.
kind regards
Garrett Meadows

Well you don't have to paint it right away. You can enjoy it for a year or 2 and do the other stuff to it for now. I have an unrestored 36 business coupe and its a blast to drive! The paint is showing its age here and there but you won't believe the amount of thumbs up you get.