Friends, saw this 116 - toying with upgrading one of my Model As. Wondering what you think of value, model etc? Is the all black treatment original? Anybody know the car?

http://classiccars.com/64406.car


Thanks!

G'day jhl, It looks to be a very nice solid car although I don't know that you would be gaining a lot in preformance compared to the A Model. The 116 is a fine car but has no front brakes etc so you would still be confined to 40-45 mph, provided that you leave plenty of room for braking. In terms of value, it is a very rare car and is probably worth the money or close to it. It would sell very easily if it was in Australia. As far as the Model goes it is a 116 coupe and any coupe is unusual and desirable. I suggest that it is certainly worth thinking seriously about and there may be responses from more knowledgeable people than myself on the matter. Best regards and good luck. Peter Toet

It was about that time that a lot of luxury car makers brought out new small models.

They made 2 completely different chassis, a big trucklike model for chauffeur driven limousines. And a smaller lighter model aimed at the new breed of "owner-drivers".

For the first time autos were practical and reliable enough that a rich man did not need to employ a professional to drive and maintain his car.

Packard, Pierce-Arrow and Rolls Royce all brought out small models about this time.

To me the small car is more desirable. It may not be as impressive to look at and show, but more fun to own and drive.

Another thing that comes to mind is that this car falls into that limbo between the antique era (up to 1915) and the classic era (1925-48).

Cars of this "in between" period do not have the brass and flash of the older cars, nor do they have the "classic" style chrome and color.

It seems that during this period, all car makers aped the Ford Model T in being practical, unadorned, and efficient with no effort made at style. Of course, this was the style of the time just as the unadorned, chrome free jellybean is the style of today.

The boxy styling, black color and lack of chrome or nickel was typical of the time.

The third thing that comes to mind is that cars from this period are under appreciated and under priced. I know $33,500 is a lot of money but in today's market you couldn't buy a sharp 1957 Chev convertible for that. Here is a much rarer and to me, more desirable car.

The lack of front wheel brakes is a concern. But from what I have heard, cars like that are very easy to drive and have quick accurate steering and good handling. The front brakes and low pressure balloon tires on slighly newer models have their advantages but have their disadvantages too.

Not to insult your Model A's but they are a completely different class of car.

I would have no problem trading a Model A for this Packard. It would be like being offered a Cadillac for a Ford Fiesta.

G'day all, Rusty has made some good points, especially the one which I didn't, that is: It is a Packard and a top shelf car. I would be confident that you would be the envious point of attention if you rocked up to your normal A Ford meeting with the Packard. Best Regards and I would love to have a 116 Packard. Peter Toet

The 1-16 is the most humble of the Packards of that era and that is reflected by the fact that they are not particularly desireable when compared to the more senior cars. Yet they can be a lot of fun, reasonably roadworthy at modest speeds, but don't forget to downshift on steep hills, remembering the old adage if you need 2nd gear to up, you should be in 2nd gear to go down.