Unbridled Optimism, Bathtub Packard Division

[BobPalma]

Consider this interesting entry in today's Hemmings Blog:

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2013/10/22/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1948-packard-eight-station-sedan/?refer=news

A nice car, to be sure, but with two long stretches:

1. For all the untouched originality and alleged patina, have a look at that undercarriage! How would you have a car of that color, mileage, and age with such a spotless underbody?

2. The seller suggests it will do 65-70 MPH "all day long." I don't see an overdrive on that transmission, so I might suggest that it would do 65-70 MPH all day long for one day! And while you're out doing 65-70 mph for one day, you might stop and get a set of bearings and an oil pan gasket set somewhere for the following day's work. BP

[62champ]

And if the brake lines had to be replaced, that undercarriage does look a little too clean...

Wonder why only a dash shot - seats? door panels?

[showbizkid]

Pretty neat car, though - rare and useful body style. I'd rather have this than one of the long-wheelbase sedans.

[bezhawk]

I wouldn't confuse the Packard straight eight with a Chevy 6 Bob.....the Packard will do as claimed.

[Commander Eddie]

I wouldn't confuse the Packard straight eight with a Chevy 6 Bob.....the Packard will do as claimed.

I tend to agree. Those big Packard straight 8s have a nice long stroke and run smooth as silk. I've seen them rolling along on the highway at 70 mph and you couldn't even hear them except for the tire noise.

[Son O Lark]

The under body WAS repainted. Notice how it changes color when it approaches the engine bay. Then in the picture of the engine bay, it's cream again! Looks like they got a little paint on the speedometer and emergency brake cables.

[SN-60]

Not a big fan of the bathtub Packards, but they did have a hell of a good engine. I'm guessing, but this might have a 287 or the 327 CI version?

[BobPalma]

Not a big fan of the bathtub Packards, but they did have a hell of a good engine. I'm guessing, but this might have a 287 or the 327 CI version?

Probably the 288 (not 287), Ed. Those wagons were built on the smaller chassis for some reason. BP

[SN-60]

Probably the 288 (not 287), Ed. Those wagons were built on the smaller chassis for some reason. BP

Yep!....that's it...288 CI. Thanks

[swvalcon]

I kind of like the bath tub Packards. Wouldn't mind having one but if I buy anymore cars without getting rid of something the wife will have me hanging by my you know whats.

[rockne10]

I don't see an overdrive on that transmission, so I might suggest that it would do 65-70 MPH all day long for one day! And while you're out doing 65-70 mph for one day, you might stop and get a set of bearings and an oil pan gasket set somewhere for the following day's work. BP

Bob, to be fair, I pushed my '60 Lark VI to modern highway speeds as a daily driver for a few years before it chucked its cookies. That's before I knew those little yellow convertibles would be desirable.