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Packard 200/250 Straight 8 1951

General description : RARE PACKARD DROP-TOP, 327 STRAIGHT 8, AUTO, COLLECTOR OWNED, TURN-KEY 250!!

Legendary Packard prestige and luxury made affordable was the 250's mission in 1951, and as this elegant, sporting convertible demonstrates, it's just as true today. Only 2572 Series 250 convertibles were built in 1951, making this a rare car with legendary straight-8 power and undeniable Packard presence.
The all-new 250 was designed to be a low-cost Packard, but everything's relative, as it still cost as much as a Cadillac in 1951. The styling was conservative as ever, but with a handsome, rounded look that would serve until 1956 when Packard merged with Studebaker in a last attempt to stay alive. Wearing period-appropriate white paint, this handsome convertible has a look that commands attention beyond your average Fords and Chevys and when parked next to a comparable Cadillac of the period, you can see where the money was spent. Bodywork is quite good, with straight bodywork and good panel alignment, suggesting that this car, like most Packards, lived an easy life with people who loved it. The finish is older and perhaps showing a few signs of age, but like a movie star who is aging gracefully, it would be an insult to try to make it better. Instead, it has a wonderful all-of-a-piece look and feel, from the traditional Packard grille up front to the optional chrome "fins" on the rear fenders.
The interior isn't entirely authentic, but they did work to get the look right using a combination of pleats and flat panels, and the upholstery is quite comfortable when the sun is overhead. Matching red door panels were created at the same time, and there's plenty of bright trim to make the Packard feel special inside. A big steering wheel frames three gauges with all the vitals and simple two-tone faces, as was the fashion in the early '50s. The shifter controls Packard's "Ultramatic" automatic transmission and operation feels quite modern, so getting this one out on the road is easy even for first-timers. The center stack houses the AM radio (not operational, which isn't surprising) and heater controls, proving that nothing much has changed in the past six decades. The upholstery is in very good condition with minimal wear, the carpets look quite good, and like the exterior, everything looks about the same age and condition so it's quite a pleasant place to spend some time. The black canvas convertible top is a new replacement unit, and it folds easily and seals up well enough to make this a no-fear car on tour. And there's a giant trunk that's as neatly finished as the interior and it includes a full-sized spare on a matching wire wheel.
Packard's bulletproof 327 cubic inch straight-8 is as smooth and torquey here as you'd expect. Thanks to a freshly rebuilt carburetor and tune-up, it starts with a muscular 8-cylinder burble and moves the car with an uncanny ease. The engine bay was obviously well-detailed when it was restored and shows signs of use today, but all of the original equipment is intact, from the oil bath air cleaner to the accessory orange oil filter canister on the side of the block. The Ultramatic automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly and this car gathers momentum so easily that you'll often find yourself going 10 MPH faster than you thought. The underside is clean with no signs that this car ever lived in the rust belt, and it appears to have a recent reproduction exhaust system that sounds right. Flashy wide whitewall radials on gorgeous chrome wire wheels add an expensive upscale look that suits this Packard just fine.
Hailing from the Truett Cathy collection, this pretty Packard offers performance and style in equal measure. Call today!

Features : AM Radio, Manual Convertible Top, Heat, Vinyl Interior

http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/3589-atl/1951-packard-250-convertible

1951 Packard 200/250 Straight 8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $49995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Packard Model : 200/250 Model Version : Straight 8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1951 Sub type : Convertible Location : Atlanta

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About Packard
Packard: A Comprehensive History
Early Years and Foundation:

Founding: The Packard Motor Car Company was established in 1899 in Warren, Ohio, by James Ward Packard, William Doud Packard, and George Lewis Weiss.
Pioneering Luxury: Initially producing high-quality automobiles, Packard became synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence.
Notable Achievements and Contributions:

Packard Twin Six: Introduced in 1916, this V12-powered car established Packard as a premier luxury automobile brand.
Model Line Expansion: Packard expanded its lineup with various models, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and limousines, catering to affluent customers seeking elegance and performance.
Engineering Innovations: The brand introduced several innovations, such as the first use of aluminum pistons, air conditioning, and the Ultramatic automatic transmission.
Ten Historically Significant Models with Technical Specifications:

Packard Twin Six (1916):
Engine: 7.3L V12 engine.
Performance: Around 85 horsepower.
Packard Eight (1930-1938):
Engine: Straight-8 engine with various displacements.
Performance: Ranged from 90 to over 130 horsepower.
Packard Super Eight (1939-1951):
Engine: Straight-8 engine.
Performance: Produced between 130 to 180 horsepower.
Packard One-Twenty (1935-1942):
Engine: Straight-8 engine.
Performance: Approximately 100 to 120 horsepower.
Packard Clipper (1941-1957):
Engine: V8 engine.
Performance: Ranging from 135 to 185 horsepower.
Packard Caribbean (1953-1956):
Engine: V8 engine.
Performance: Varying between 275 to 310 horsepower.
Packard Patrician (1951-1956):
Engine: Inline-8 and V8 engines.
Performance: Ranged from 150 to 180 horsepower.
Packard Hawk (1958):
Engine: V8 engine.
Performance: Produced around 275 horsepower.
Packard Executive (1956-1958):
Engine: V8 engine.
Performance: Varying between 240 to 290 horsepower.
Packard Predictor (1956):
Engine: Concept car showcasing design and technology.
Performance: Prototype model.
Legacy and Influence:
Quality and Elegance: Packard was revered for its exceptional build quality, refined styling, and luxury features, often considered on par with European luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz.
End of Production: The brand faced financial struggles in the 1950s, leading to its merger with Studebaker and eventual discontinuation in the late 1950s, marking the end of an era in American luxury automobiles.
Packard left an enduring legacy in the automotive industry, symbolizing elegance, engineering excellence, and a commitment to luxury that has been admired and respected by car enthusiasts worldwide.