When is a Packard not a Packard? I guess that depends on what one considers to be a car’s soul. Is it the engine? Styling? In an automobile such as this 1937 Packard, perhaps it’s the distinctive grille. Which of these missing characteristics dilutes a car’s identity? Stick around, and you’ll be able to voice your opinion. Found in Woodstock, Georgia, this stylish convertible is available here on eBay for a BIN price of $70,000. There is a make an offer option too.
Firstly, a comment on model years. Unless it’s very obvious, I refer to the model year of a subject using the designation found in the listing. Any seller should know the model year of the car they are selling, but I have found confusing exceptions to that basic given assumption. Anyway, known as a 115C, this Packard is a 115-inch wheelbase model that shared the same wheelbase as its series siblings, including Business Coupes, Standard Sedans (in both two- and four-door styles), and Touring Coupes and Sedans. The total 115C production reached 65K copies, but the convertible count volume appears to be unrecorded. The seller claims, “Second owner. Always garage-kept and driven to shows, weddings, and family fun. Completely restored twice.” Regardless of what details occurred with which restoration, this Packard is beautiful. But the lack of exterior images is absurd, especially with a $70 large ask. I’d like to suggest that this car needs nothing but it’s difficult to make that assessment with such a paucity of visuals.
The interior is more thoroughly photographed than the exterior. The entire environment is in fine shape, and the upholstery appears to be finished with the correct pattern, but I don’t know about the actual material. If you’ll note, (in a different listing image), there are modern underdash gauges that have been added, an addition that seems superfluous considering this Packard came with beautifully finished rectangular gauges that accomplish the necessary monitoring functions – more on that matter to follow…Oh, and this Packard is A/C equipped with a modern 134A refrigerant system – how about that?
Under the hood, we should find a 100 HP, 237 CI, in-line six-cylinder engine; after all, Packard engines were one of the outstanding features of the “Ask the man who owns one” marque. Well, that’s no longer the case; instead we find a 300 CI, in-line, six-cylinder Ford engine attached to a Ford automatic transmission. Well, at least it’s not an LS… I get engine swaps, but this seems like a very unlikely candidate for an automobile of this stature. I’m not leveling criticism of Ford’s big truck engine; it just seems like an odd choice. The seller adds that the engine has been modified with an aluminum intake manifold and a four-barrel carburetor, while power disc brakes have been swapped in to assist with stopping this fairly light 3,300 lb. drop top.
So, is this Packard still a Packard? Well, it certainly looks like one; it’s a fabulous-looking car, but it seems that authenticity is part of the Packard valuation equation. And that’s especially pertinent when considering this car’s price tag. What’s your thought on this matter?
I guess if you couldn’t source another 237-6 (what happened to the original?), then the Ford 300 seems like a great choice.
It has old-school inline 6 vibes and is, of course, bulletproof. Now, with a 4-barrell, that 300 is likely to drink some gas!
Gor-geous! Nice one, Jim! It reminds me of the car Banacek drove, although, his was a ’41. Not that anyone probably remembers that show.
Thx Scotty! I had completely forgotten about Banacek until you mentioned it.
JO
Oh, and Banacek’s was a yellow Darrin body… coulda’ been the one my G’pa’s ex-boss drove. Used to view it as a kid at Mr/Mrs Kemp’s place on Lake St. George, up Maine way, as they say Down East…
I had actually forgotten about Banacek until you mentioned it Scotty!! My Mom used to watch it when I was a kid!!!
Exactly my thought too! Same color and a beauty!
Wasn’t that one of the “Mystery” shows.I remember it well,
or maybe that was just an old Polish proverb.
Didn’t the show always start with George Peppard rowing backwards? The sad thing about Peppard is that he eventually fell on hard times after having been a top star…and I remember reading he had to even sell his car…
Gorgeous Packard. I agree with Rex, they chose a bullet proof reliable powerful straight six. I do wonder what happened to the original motor. This is a beautiful Packard. You’re right Jim, at least its not an LS swap.
Love the exterior look! But the view from the driver’s seat showing the Packard emblem on the dash mounted crookedly and the swing pedals w/modern pads & aluminum trim, clutter of add-on gauges, and the fake floor shifter for the automatic trans are all big turn offs for me (looks like a kit car). Way too high priced for a hacked up car – 70 large will buy a real Packard.
At some point a pure OE style restoration will doom many older cars to irrelevance. Adding modern conveniences that make the car more enjoyable to drive will breath life into them. That’s what it appears to be the route that was taken with this car, “modern” engine, AT and AC. Any modern appearing parts in the interior that look out of place won’t be hard to change out. The price seems high, but that’s up to potential buyers to decide. It’s not for everyone, but the persistent drop of interest and value in most cars from the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s should be taken as a sign they are being rejected by younger generations. The sort of modifications that have been done to this car shouldn’t be summarily dismissed.
Steve R
I agree that it’s a shame that it is no longer original. BUT, if you really love the car and want to drive it all the time. Which means it needs to be reliable AND safe in modern day traffic. Then this is what you do. So this car, the second time around was resto-modded. If there was only one. Then don’t change anything. But these cars can be found without too much difficulty. I was talking to a guy at Hot August Nights who had a rat rod with a Packard flat head straight 8. With a turbo charger!. That thing ideled so smooth and quiet it was amazing. With the small turbo it didn’t need alot of RPM to get into the boost. I asked him about a concern about using up the engine and his comment was that he had 4 more in his garage just waiting to be used. So an original Packard could be had. It might not be the correct vintage. But it would still be Packard.
I really don’t see any problem with the original Packard engine or mechanics as far as being “reliable and safe”? Maybe someone lazy who can’t drive a stick, but some of us prefer a stick even with our new cars. And A/C in a convertible, makes no sense.
I know what I hate, and I don’t hate this. I kvetch about how cars like this should be “modernized”, but when it hits this level, naturally I’m a bit put off. For all practical purposes, this is top notch. Someone did an incredible job, spared nothing and made it entirely usable, without sacrificing too much originality. You know as well as I do, people in the future won’t know the difference between the original motor and this, it appears to be the same, and the Packard valve cover, a real nice touch, btw, is all people will need to convince them it’s original. Lot of interest, but no bids, but am confident someone will pony up for this fantastic car, and guess what, they may actually use it!
This car is being sold for a set price, it’s not an auctioned. Even if it was an auction you can’t judge interest based on the number of bids, a high opening bid will often not generate any action, but a low opening bid with a reserve will.
Steve R
lot of money for a Packard with a ford 6cly in it.
Why not put a Packard V8 in it if it would fit,,I have a 49 Packard I’m thinking about doing that to,,then its still all Packard
Heresy. No me gusta.
Am I the only person to notice that the grill and hood shape on the top photo doesn’t match the second photo? The top photo looks like a bad AI pic, all wrong for a Packard.
I have to agree with Howard.. This will make someone a FUN car to cruise around in, start a lot of conversations, and be the talk of where ever you stop.. The price is on the high side, But you always ask high so you can dicker down and both party think they got a good deal..
Now that’s a car. Wish I could afford it……
Really like the subtle 2 tone paint, just a little darker on the fenders and headlights. Very stylish…..
It’s not a Packard. It’s a Ford with a Packard body.
At least they had the decency to pick something other than a bowtie V8.
JSB is right ~ the car in the top picture does not have a Packard grille. As for the interior, if you don’t like the under dash gauges you remove them. If you don’t like the shifter knob you replace it. Those are cheap and easy fixes. I would rather see a 292 Chevy under the hood but that’s just me.
I would only tolerate the original Packard equipment on a car such as this. I instantly saw the non-Packard grille in the first photo (digitally photo-shopped?). Under-dash gauges??? — puh-leeze, SPARE ME!!! Even if I DID have the money, I wouldn’t go anywhere NEAR this one, at ANY price!!! The entire romance of owning and driving an antique classic automobile — especially a Packard — is to have a beautifully-preserved all-original example, or one restored to meticulous originality — it is a CRIME to “modify” a car such as this! If you can’t drive a 1937 car as it was driven in 1937, and enjoy it — if you need a digital blue tooth stereo, air-conditioning, seat-belts, a “muscle” Chevy power-plant, disk brakes, etc., then let the surviving 1930s cars alone, and drive something designed for modern motoring!
If the original drive train is gone you do what you have to do to bring it back on the road and you may as well make it more powerful and safer while you’re at it. The modern engine and disc brakes are a great addition. It you’re looking for a totally stock trailer queen then this car is not for you. If someone is looking for a great car they can actually drive this car is for them. If I didn’t already have more cars that I need or have room for I would be talking to this guy.
Even if the original drivetrain is gone, many ads in Packard clubs and media offer the original equipment, I could find all these parts in less than a week
What I am objecting to, are those who take a PERFECTLY GOOD ORIGINAL automobile, perhaps in need of some doable mechanical service and a degree of restoration, and then simply scrap the original drive train and build something more modern, permanently destroying the car. If the original sat in a southwestern yard somewhere, gradually acquiring a patina of surface-rust, after the original engine had thrown a rod, then I get restoring/rebuilding it as a modern vehicle cloaked in a restored antique body. But too many times, they take a perfectly serviceable 1930s classic, still running/driving and previously cared-for carefully, and re-build it to their preference — because they want the GLORY of an old car, but not the less convenient lack of modernity. This vandalistic trend began with resto-rods — I disdained it then, and I disdain it now! The only classic cars that should get this treatment, are those beyond bringing back to originality. They are original only once — and when originals are gone, they’re gone.
It doesn’t take much to ruin the antique car. I saw one of theses cars painted in gold metalflake. It looked horrible and it was a v12 car. My first thought is that it would cost about $35k to repaint it.
I don’t get it. You replace the 120HP engine for a 100HP engine that destroys the value of the car. Even if the original had a cracked block it would be worth sourcing another packard engine. I’m sure the guy gets asked the question “why would you do that?” all the time. I’m sure the new owner will get asked as well.
The owner destroyed this Packard. As far as I’m concerned, it’s worthless.
Isn’t this called a resto-mod? Old car, updated components.
My very first thought looking at the first picture was “this car is huge!” The man in the drver seat looks so small compared to this car and it’s only a two seater.
Beautiful color combination. Just overall a gorgeous automobile.
But if you’re resto-modding it with an updated engine, transmission and adding a/c, why not go all the way? Add power windows, door locks, p/s, p/b, cruise control, duel exhaust, directional signals and of course the ever needed stereo system.
But that’s just me.
Not everyone wants power windows or electric door locks ~ I refuse to have them. And an inline six, which this car has, is not a setup for dual exhaust. Some people prefer and enjoy something more basic and less complicated ~ as in fewer things to break down. I will never own another computerized car as long as I live, and that’s the way I like it.
Mr. Brown has a point. This is no longer a Packard. It’s mostly the shell of a Packard dropped onto a contemporary Ford power train. As such, the price should be about 20% of the asking price shown. And it should be identified clearly as a restomod; i.e., a Ford inside a sort-of-Packard shell. Otherwise, it’s dishonest if not downright fraudulent.
I will concede latter-day brakes–after all, the AACA makes allowances for safety equipment–but the non-Packard grille compounds the atrocities committed.
The grille thingy is an A I mess, not an actual issue.
My 1937 Packard 120 Business Coupe had an 8-cylinder engine in it. It would constantly overheat in parades because of the way the head and block were configured. This car is beautiful. Going with a powerhouse six-cylinder is a good choice. You want to be able to drive it to show off the wonderful body style.
Overheating in parades has nothing to do with engine design. These cars were not designed for parades. They were designed to be driven. I have an old Corvette that overheats in parades. It has a stove bolt six in it, one of the most reliable engines in history (Toyota copied it). It’s not the engine that over heats, it’s the lack of a fan shroud.
If your 8 cylinder over heated, you had problems like the thermostat, bad radiator, plugged water jackets. There’s no Packard in good condition that would overheat
too bad they didn’t work with Custom Auto Service in Santa Ana Ca, they would have made the real motor better than this
http://www.customautoservice.com/
Yep. I’ve known that shop’s owner since 2007 and interviewed him a couple of times for newspaper and magazine articles. Custom Auto Service would have done this car right.
It’s an interesting place. One time when I was there they had a Packard Hawk in for service. Only the second one I’d ever seen (the other one was at the old Harrah’s auto collection in 1978).
Hello, Vance! I’ve only seen two Packard Hawks in my life — one in 1958, and rhe other in 1960. That weird front reminded me of nothing so much as a catfish. They might better have used the studebaker nose and put the distinctive Packard double-dip on the top of a dressier grille, removed the fins in the rear, and done it more like the 1962-’64 Hawk, with every option and engineering advance known to Packard at that time: at least the result would have been classic and dignified. But all of us Packard-lovers have some ideas on what they “should” have done.
Funny you said that about the 58 Packard Hawk, cause I always kinda thought like that,,use a Packard grill,Im sure there were alot around probably the 48,49 cause they were smaller,use the fins off a 56 G Hawk(smaller & classier) and excessive luxury on the inside,,keep the Packard engine but supercharge it or the dual 4 barells as an engine choice,,everything off the shelf
Hey Harrison! Guess we are tied for Packard Hawk sightings. They are cool to see IRL. What’s often overlooked is that the Packard Hawk was never intended for production, according to stylist Duncan McRae. It was meant only to be a one-off custom for Curtiss-Wright chief Roy Hurley (Curtiss-Wright was running Studebaker-Packard at the time). The catfish front, padded leather outside armrests, etc., were specified by Hurley. McRae was shocked when it was ordered into production.
because of this butchery it may not find a buyer especially for the ask price
To hairyolds68: I totally agree. A #1 or #2+ all original survivor or fully restored as original in every genuine way example might fetch a price near to this. But once they resto-modifed it, the result might be worth about 1/3 of this price, probably less.
Tough crowd, sheesh,,,
They’ve asked the man who’s owned one.
My father drove nothing BUT Packards, until he traded-in his 1951 Mayfair 250 convertible in 1958 on a Chevrolet Impala convertible. He owned Packards in their glory days, back from the beginning of the 1930s. Unfortunately, we can no longer ask him, and I only RODE IN his 1939 and later Packards.