I obtained this Packard from a government contact in Romania where I was born. I was told it was used by Kind Carol I as one of his parade cars. The car was in rough but restorable shape. The wood was rotted but the metal was not rusted other than the running boards. I have spent the last 10 years trying to bring it back to it's former glory. Everything that was not welded or riveted was taken apart, media blasted, powder coated, rebuilt, replaced, re-plated, etc ... There are literally 6 screws in the top cover of the transmission which are original, everything else was replaced. It runs and drives like a new '36 Packard. It's all original down to the flower vase and ash tray. It needs to be upholstered. I'm very reluctant to sell it as I have so much of my time and money in it which I know I'll never get back but circumstances are forcing me to list this. This was a full frame off restoration. The frame was media blasted and powder coated as were many of the frame components. The engine was rebuilt as was the transmission. The radiator was re-cored and it runs right at 180 degrees although on some hotter Florida days it will climb to 200. This is not a pressurized cooling system. It never over heats though. The starter was rebuilt and enhanced by Don's Alternators and Generators (home of the Gener-Nator - as seen on Jay Leno's Garage). The generator was also re-worked by Don and is now an alternator in the same casing of the original generator. The car was completely re-wired and I've added turn signals. All the gauges work - even the clock. All the dash lights work as they are all new. It starts right up and will start right up again after sitting while hot with the original 6 volt system. It's a pleasure to drive as it has 6 new wire wheels and radial tires. The white walls started life as a Michelin LT radial onto which Diamond Back Tires vulcanized a 4" white wall. Their work is impeccable as the white stayed white with no browning. I have made the door panels and have started on upholstering the rear of the car - the rear panels are done but due to some significant life changes I have lost the ability and drive to continue. I have one leather hide left which should be enough to do the rear seat and can provide the source of the leather so you can get matching hides to continue the upholstery work. Not sure what else to add - the rear end was rebuilt as well and I've added two Trippe lights up front. There's also a Packard scripted backup light. Everything is new. Once upholstered it would make a fine addition to any collection or perhaps a very fun ice-cream run car. Thank you.
|