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

So, I'm treading out of my usual waters here! How rare was the 200 Business Coupe in 1951? Was it available with a manual transmission? Looking at the owners manual, it only mentions the ultramatic, but then it talks about using the overdrive on the next page, which implies that a manual transmission was also available.

How rare is this car? How rare would it be to find it with a manual?

I'm not really in the market yet, but I'm keeping my eyes open for a nice driver 51-53 Packard, but I'd really like to find a 2 door with a manual and overdrive. Is that unobtainable?

I say 51-53 because I like the looks, and they are pretty reasonable. Doesn't HAVE to be a two door, but I thought it would be more fun.

Yes, the 51 business coupe is uncommon, and it was a one-year only offering, discontinued after 1951. It was the bottom-of-the-line, least expensive and most spartan Packard available so not exactly the vehicle to attract the clientele that Packard wanted. Probably most sales went to slightly upscale traveling salesmen who wanted something with a bit more comfort and performance than a Plymouth. As such, it was pretty much of a basic vehicle and standard transmission was standard equipment (Ultramatic was only standard in the "400" or Patrician), though OD was an extra cost. As the folks who bought them were looking for very inexpensive transportation, I wouldn't be surprised that manual shift was more popular than Ultramatic.

A couple of years ago there was a very nice article published in The Packard Club's The Packard Cormorant on one of these, some very good photos of the interior, etc. Perhaps you'd like to get a back issue.

Ken,

I was going to refer you to Doc gonzo's '51 200 Business Coupe which is currently for sale, but see it's Ultramatic equipped. Also see you in Doc's Project Blog so most likely aware that it is for sale.

Mal, thought about it, but I'm looking for a driver that I can just polish up. There is one for sale on the Reno Craigslist but the ad is over a month old, and I don't have anyone who could pick it up for me until about February.