1949 Packard Custom 8 - $23,000 - Nashville, TN - My adult playmate and avid Classic Car enthsiast enticed, well not exactly, he suggested and I bought in the old car hobby. After bringing a 67 Olds Toronada back to life an ad in Old Cars Weekly(5/17/1977) zinged me. Estate offered "1949 Packard Custom 8 Original 28,000 miles excellent condtion.."..Helena MT was a long way from Nashville but I also knew that nothing rusts in that part of the Northwest. Since my sister lived in that region a motor trip was a good excuse to warrant the long drive. The car exceeded expectations but the asking $ was off putting until a few weeks passed and my offer was accepted. It arrived about a month later and received my playmate's enthusiastic blessing.
After a thorough sorting out cleaning, brakes, seals,electrical systems, fluids, etc,put us on hugely enjoyable Milestone and Packard caravans. By 1984 I itched to move the condition of this car to competitive judging. Fortunately there was no rust to deal with and the interior was impeccable so off came the front clip, engine and tranny for chassis scrubing and body paint was removed and prepped with Imrom primer and the chassis got Imron gloss black. While there was no chrome pitting some had thinning and those pieces were re-chromed. Original style/color lacquer of 10 coats brought the body back to better than new. We drove (including two children) a really long distance to Providence RI National that was a lot of fun and winning the class validated the previous hard work; two more firsts came a few year later though the car was only judged three times. The tours over the years have been great fun and fortunatlely no breakdowns. By the way we have always driven to these events...and, of course back to Nashville. Why sell? Our children have grown and pursued their paths seem to have diminished our zeal though the Packard can't wait for the next journey..
A few notes. The original 356 cu. in. engine was replaced by the dealer Frontier Motors. We don't know the year it was replaced but can get some idea by information in the Packard Service Counselor July 1953 that describes the "Service Replacement Engine" . It acknowledges that the 356 is no longer available and the newer 327 9 main bearing engine of 165 hp will be used and provides all the parts, etc for this process. From my examination (cylinder & bearing wear) likely had less than 10,000 miles and continues to be quiet and no issuance of tailpipe blue smoke. Exterior lights have been converted to brighter halogens. All sytems function well including the elctromatic clutch. The radio/speaker was refurbished for rich tones. Waltzes, 50 rock and only good news is broadcast. This car has always resided in a climate controlled garage. Questions are welcomed.