On first, second, and third glances it’s hard to tell that this 1955 Packard 400 two-door hardtop for sale on Hemmings.com is anything other than a restored-to-stock beauty. However, as the seller details, it was treated to a few select upgrades during a recent restoration that were intended to make it more comfortable on the road with the end goal of putting some miles under those radials. From the seller’s description:
restored in over approximately 10 years by a not so young anymore Packard enthusiast. The car was purchased in 1999 when it was found in the Buckeye, AZ area and trailered back to Tucson. It has been said by the prior owner, that the 400 was owned by a doctor that did house calls back in the day in the rural areas west of Phoenix. I have a copy of an Arizona registration card (obtained from AZ MVD) that places the car in the ownership of L.D. and/or Mildred Henry in Buckeye from November of 1963. Attempts to learn more about the car’s prior history have been unsuccessful thus far.
If you are a Packard purist, stop now, read no further and navigate away from this ad, as this car was lovingly restored with adaptations and updating thoughtfully accomplished for a variety of reasons, primarily safety. Further, restoration was completed always with an eye towards drivability, reliability and longevity. Far too many of our beloved Packards sit idly in garages or on the decks of trailers because people are afraid to drive them. This Packard has delivered approximately 8000 miles of happiness since the restoration was completed in April 2010 and has been confidently driven all over southern Arizona. The 400 was also driven nearly 1000 miles (roundtrip) to Laughlin Nevada to attend a Packardinfo.com gathering.
This 400 bears Michelin radials, electric wiper, rebuilt engine (with Melling oil pump), rebuilt treadle-vac brake booster, 4L60E transmission, B&M trans cooler, rebuilt Rochester carburetor, full flow oil filter and a six bladed radiator fan. The interior was redone with original materials and most power options work (PS, PW, seats, antenna and radio). All dash lights work and the clock was professionally rebuilt as well. At this writing, the 400 does not have a trunk light, glove box light and the right rear quarter window is being stubborn. She was a body on restoration project completed at my home.
This Packard is a beautiful example of an automobile and she turns heads where ever she goes. If you need to quickly run to the store for some milk or eggs, do not drive this Packard. You cannot leave any parking lot without a conversation or two. Being a committed Packard ambassador of sorts, I’ve learned that this car will get people to open up and talk nostalgically. As evidenced by the awards, the next owner will immediately be able to enjoy any car show she should enter.
My friends tell me I’m nuts for selling her, because there are no vehicles from the era or period that drive like a Packard with torsion level. There are also few vehicles restored to this level anywhere in the world. Despite this, she is being sold so that I can acquire a pre-war Packard. With the sale of this Packard, the new owner will receive all awards and trophies (except the first one) and photographic history of the restorative journey.
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from Hemmings Daily - News for the collector car enthusiast http://ift.tt/1C6D3ju
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