Ed Miller

I have just about every book written on Packard. However I know nothing about this soon to be published book by an unknown author and publishing house. The best book on Packard history is "Packard, A History of the Motor Car and the Company," edited by Beverly Rae Kimes, Library of Congress Catalog Number: 78-71063, Published by Automobile Quarterly. Unfortunately the book is no longer in print. I've been told that a used edition sells for around $150, if you can find someone willing to sell. No mine is not for sale at any price.

I obtained my first American automobile at the age of 37. I had always favored British Sports Cars. I liked the pre war Classics, but felt if you couldn't drive them. In 1985 I obtained my first American car, a 1930 Pierce Arrow. What a revelation, it was driveable! I only had the Pierce for a year but was bitten by the bug. I lusted after a 1933 Pierce Arrow 1247 V12 LeBaron Convertible Sedan. I searched for a year without any luck. I didn't realize there were only three extant. So I "settled" for a 1933 Packard 12 Convertible Sedan in 1990. I have been better educated in the "Classics" since. By the way all three Pierce Arrows have changed hands since my acquiring my Packard. I have no regrets owning the Packard. I have driven and ridden in many Classics in the last 12 years including Auburn, Duesenberg, Franklin, Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes Benz and many other Packards. I still find the Packard to be the best all around Classic.

Peter, I have the figures and the percentage of profit. But I'm too lazy to dig it out unless you don't have the numbers. It was surprisingly small.

I'm down in Naples, Florida and still haven't received my issue. There is a National AACA show in Sarasota, Florida in March and I need to get the application for the show from missiing magazine in order to show my car. It's getting quite frustrating.

My new 1932 Cadillac is almost ready for the road. However the transmission needs new synchronizing rings (a/k/a synchros). I couldn't beg, steal or borrow a new set of synchros made for my Cadillac. Then it dawn on me...During August, 1928 Cadillac introduced there new model line for 1929. At the same time Cadillac introduced to the world the first synchronized transimission. No other manufacturer had anything to compare with it, including Packard. However, starting in 1932 Packard paid Cadillac a royalty of $1.25 per transmission to use the Cadillac synchro patent. I called the fellow who produces "Packard synchros" and he is sending me a set. They appear to be identical to the ones in the Cadillac. By the way, the fellow who makes the synchros has a very appropriate name...John Cadillac!

Peter H, Great people do in deed think a like. I agree with everything you say about the "Classics." I've been a little too busy to throw my two cents in, but you have done an admirable job of throwing yours in. Prior to the depression there was a greater class distinction than there has been since. Near the waning end of the Classic Era there was a Packard advertisement. You can find it on the back cover of the Autumn 2001 issue of the Packard Cormorant. The essence of the ad is that a Packard acts as a "social mirror." The "...car must reflect (your) position..." in society. Such blatant snobbery would never do in today's market. The ad ends: "Socially-America's FIRST Motor Car." I agree with the ad's sentiment, Just ask the man who owns one.

"Full Classics formerly known as (F/K/A) "Classics" are luxury automobiles produced between 1925 and 1948 and recognized by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). Anyone interest in these icons of beauty post a message. I have a 1933 Packard 12 Convertible Sedan and a 1932 Cadillac V8 All Weather Phaeton. I've previously owned a 1935 Mercedes Benz 500K Cabriolet Type B and a 1930 Pierce Arrow Model B Sedan. I have also driven or ridden in a bunch of other Classics (I prefer that name, it's simpler and is a perfect description of these masterpieces.) I hope to hear from you soon.

"Full Classics formerly known as (F/K/A) "Classics" are luxury automobiles produced between 1925 and 1948 and recognized by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). Anyone interest in these icons of beauty post a message. I have a 1933 Packard 12 Convertible Sedan and a 1932 Cadillac V8 All Weather Phaeton. I've previously owned a 1935 Mercedes Benz 500K Cabriolet Type B and a 1930 Pierce Arrow Model B Sedan. I have also driven or ridden in a bunch of other Classics (I prefer that name, it's simpler and is a perfect description of these masterpieces.) I hope to hear from you soon.

Peter: It's true the word "Classic" has lost its original meaning. Today anything that is ten years or older is called a "Classic." The CCCA is attempting to luxury automobiles built from 1925 to 1948 by calling them "Full Classics." This attempted new designation does not have the resonance of the name. "Classic" is a perfect description of CCCA automobiles that everyone wants to get on the bandwagon. Noone else has a desire to use the term "Full Classic"...including those who own "Full Classics." <BR>I'm puzzled. True, the 12s and 16s are generally at the top of the pecking order in CCCA terms. But the humble 1932 Cadillac V8 All Weather Phaeton on a 140 inch wheelbase still is permitted entrance into the hallowed inner sanctum of the Club. <BR>I'm located in the southwest corner of Florida in Naples. It's on the Gulf of Mexico. I hope that's enough water for you. I don't have its GPS location.<BR>As soon as it stops raining I'm picking the Cadillac up at the Car Hospital. I intend to drive it as much as possible...no trailer queen shall she be.

I almost forgot...later I will try to give a comparison report between the Packard and the Cadillac. Keep in mind the Cadillac is only an eight and really should be compared to the Packard Standard Eight as far as performance is concerned. But as to quality of build, handling, braking etc. it should be a more or less fair comparison.

Member 4816 (sounds like an inmate at Alcatraz) I bought the 1932 Cadillac after searching for one of the following: 1934 Packard Super 8 Convertible Victoria, 1935 or '36 Auburn S/C Cabriolet, 1934 Lincoln KB Dietrich Convertible Sedan, 1937 Cord S/C Phaeton and a 1932 Cadillac V8 All Weather Phaeton. I came very close to buying a Cord and also a Lincoln. I didn't come close to buying the Packard. The reason was I couldn't find any in acceptable condition and price.<BR>I don't know what Full Classics will be at the Grand Classic in March. But here a few few that will definately be there: my 1933 Packard 12 Convertible Sedan and Cadillac, a 1933 Packard 12 Custom Dietrich Sport Phaeton...those are the only ones I know will definately appear. I would expect between 40 and 50 Full Classics.

Greetings from Eddie in Naples, Florida. Peter, H. if you happen to be in my part of the country during March 21-23, 2002, stop by for a CCCA Grand Classic. I hope to have my 1933 Packard 12 Convertible Sedan in exhibition. Also, my latest acquisition. For those who cannot tolerate heresy, read no further: a 1932 Cadillac V8 All Weather Phaeton. Granted, it isn't as much car as the Packard but it makes me respect my Packard's great qualities all the more.