Running Project: 1951 Packard 200 Deluxe

Packard Motor Co. redesigned its cars in 1951, dispensing with the “ponton” look of the stodgy automobiles of the past. The 200 was introduced as the entry-level Packard, although there was nothing minimal about a Packard back in the day. The seller has a Deluxe 4-door sedan from ’51 that looks solid and runs, but off a gas can (apparently the fuel tank has been removed). It might not take much to get this old girl back on the road. Located in Volga, South Dakota, this monument to what once was is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,500. Thanks for the tip, NW Iowa Kevin.

The 200 rode on a shorter wheelbase (122 vs. 127 inches) than the more elegant 400 and used a smaller inline-8 engine (288 vs. 327 cubic inches). The name of the car sounded benign, so the 200 was rebadged as the Clipper starting in 1953. What Packard execs did not realize at the time was that the 200 would detract from the luxury image of the brand, and the company likely did not recover before being paired with Studebaker in an ill-fated 1954 merger. But they came standard with items that were optional on other cars, such as a heater and a radio.

Though overall Packard sales were 100,000 units in 1951, the 200 accounted for nearly two-thirds of production. Thus, handing the luxury car market over to Cadillac and Lincoln. The seller’s ’51 is the Deluxe edition, which means it was a bit better trimmed. Automatic transmissions were just coming around, so this car has the traditional “3-on-the-tree” manual tranny. It runs, but you’re going to have to address the MIA fuel tank before doing anything else.

The body and paint look okay here, though the photos are few in number. The interior seems passable as well. So, if you can get this thing to perform reliably, what a treat you would have for local car shows. So few of these automobiles remain, so yours might be 1 of 1 at many events. The seller must be a Packard fan as he/she really wants the 200 to go to a good home.