To be honest, I really cannot remember if I even knew what a Packard was before I met my bride. It was however through her and more specifically her father, that I have come to know and love all things Packard. Mitch, who has now since passed away, introduced me to Packards in 1995. Prior to moving to Tucson, AZ, Mitch and his brother Mike restored a number of Packards. They as brothers restored 1941 Packard 160 coupe, a 1942 Packard 160 convertible, a 1947 Super Clipper and a 1955 Packard Caribbean. All of these cars were basket cases, but all are now magnificent examples of automotive history and beauty. When Mitch relocated to Tucson, his sold his 1955 Packard Panama Clipper hardtop before it was even off of the car trailer. A true story!
Now to my 1955 Packard 400. Mitch and I searched, traveled and followed up upon many leads. I was determined to own a Packard and did in short order. I purchased a pair of Patricians (1953 & 1955) and in even shorter order, I figured out the hard way that I was in over my head. I didn't have the house, tools or knowledge to tackle many things. Mitch counseled me and we decided to sell the 1953 and keep the 1955 for donor. You see I was always sweet on Packard V8's and I knew we'd eventually find one.
I found my Packard 400 in central Arizona via the Internet and Mitch and I charged off to take a look. The fellow selling was firm in pricing so we passed and decided to keep looking. About (8) months later the 400's owner called me back. He'd been unsuccessful at selling her and he wanted to know if I was still interested. As I was still Packard-less so to speak, we haggled back and forth and finally a deal was struck.
My 400 at present is being rebuilt all the way back towards the firewall. She sits in repose in my garage (we bought a new house) engine-less without her front fenders. I've rebuilt my front end and the engine is currently in Las Vegas, NV being rebuilt under the supervision of the Webmaster Craig Hendrickson. I will also be replacing the wiring harness and I am contemplating the purchase and installation of a 700r4 transmission instead of the Ultramatic. My goals have changed about the car since Mitch's passing. I'm certain he would have pressed to stay original, but I'm bent on restoring her with some modern updating.
Check back often on my progress.