Steve_Mack_CT

37 Pack, if you do spray bomb the rad I would use radiator paint (you can get it at auto parts store) which is I believe a bit "thinner" to not impact the cooling abilities, and put some cardboard behind the radiator if you do it on the car. A very easy way to clean up the front of the car, but if you don't mask it you will get overspray all over the engine area. Car looks to be driven. Are you remembering to shut off the gas valve for the night? A full tank and the valve left on can leave you a nice puddle of gas in the morning... Of course, you also need to remember to open it when you start the car...

37Packard, one additional thought that may or may not help in your discussions with your DMV. When these cars were made engine numbers were the way they were registered, in all states, I believe. Ford did not provide a body number (with any consistency, I believe some bodies were numbered, but not all) and frame numbers I believe were an inventory control number, and not for registration purposes. It is an accepted fact that many Model A Fords left the factory without matching numbers - and engine numbers corrolate to date ranges of production, that is about as close as the record keepers and today's researchers have gotten. So your issue is not unique. You may try posting your issue on "Fordbarn" which has a lot of Model A people on it, no doubt some from KY. BTW- the car is just right with blackwalls and not a whole lot of toys on it. I am normally a "whitewall guy" but not on an "A" - less is more. Nice car.

37 Packard, that suggestion is correct. Unfortunately the frame numbers sit on the top side of the frame where it supports the body, in other words, between the frame and the LH front corner of the body where the cowl/doorpost area is. While lifting that takes a little less work than most cars, that is the only way to do that. Have you reached out to the local Model A club in your area? If anyone can help you with either the right state DMV contact or other solutions, they can. There are almost always alternatives - but you will need to do some legwork. The people with the exact same car, in your state that have dealt with this before are the best equipped to help you. The only other solution I can think of is to call the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles in your state, ask for that person, or a deputy Commissioner, and explain your issue. This worked for me once when I had trouble registering a car that had been registered in CT for years, but had a very old lien on it from out of state, for something like $50. My logic was CT let the prior owner register it - deaf ears until I reached someone actually capable of making a logical decision. the "A" is one of the most prolific antique autos out there, I am sure your DMV sees them with some frequency, you just need to find out how they handle that process - AND it may differ between offices depending on how the agency is run... Good luck with it.

Hi John. While we don't set up we LOVE the Rhinebeck show, and the town itself (I see you are from there!) I will be sure to stop by your booth to say hello!! Over the years this has been a convenient meeting place as well - last year we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies with tires, car parts and some small items packed into our SL - great fun!! Have a great day!

Phil, will see you in a few short weeks. I have access to a lift tomorrow so MB is getting serviced up for the season. Will look for that nice Packard on Show day. Coil and bracket sold to 40ClubCoupe - Thanks W.B.! Happy Spring, folks!

Good luck on your transaction, '37Packard. Since others have wieghed in I guess I will give you my two cents having owned both an "A" (30 Tudor) and a '39 Packard120. I thiink, based on what I have seen of your Packard, and the one shot of the "A" you may be doing ok here. The non-original color, interior and some minor but still present condition issues like the rust in trunk could have scared off some buyers, even with a nice and somewhat unusual bodystyle. You might have been better off with a "true" coupe, than the two door in terms of resale - I have not seen these bring a premium over their more common 4 door sister cars (like I had) but a "true" coupe will. Just the market, which you have tested now so you probably know that. IMO, the "A" appears to be well done and '30 - '31 coupes are always pretty popular. You really cannot compare the driveability of these cars - apples and oranges. I really like the vintage feel of the Model "A", and they are a little more agile and easy to manouver around a crowded driveway than you may think. I had no trouble with 50 mph on mine, for sustained cruising. Others may say they are good highway cars, but I think given their limitations and todays generally faster highway speeds, I would stick to back roads and secondary highway type drives - it will be much less stressful. Very simple and easy to maintain. YOu will be an expert in a couple of mos. Good luck and keep us posted on the deal!

Another thought is to reach out to local Model A owners, ideally check with a local MARC or MAFCA region and simply ask how KY handles these cars. I would likely avoid buying an out of state Model A here in CT as some members have reported "sticklers" at our DMV demanding to see the frame # - even though as has been pointed out these were initially registered by engine number. CT changed it's inspection/registration laws a few years back and a previously registered CT car of any age does not need a VIN verification, but out of state does regardless of age. I had an "A" that was a local car, so no hassles, it was, as it had been I am sure for its entire life, registered under the engine number. You may want to do a little more research, I am sure, with a little legwork you will be ok, as these are common enough cars that someone at your DMV likely knows how to handle, your idea is ok, assuming you show up and get the woman you think you are getting and not a curious young trainee, etc. Good luck with the trade, I think you will be doing fine - the coupe looks nice and Model As are a LOT of fun for the $$$...

Oh my, nothing so drastic, Tom!! All I am trying to do is help you out with space issues, as you know it would fit nicely in my garage... Mrs. Mack loves the Oakland, BTW.

This has been an interesting thread to follow and the accumulated knowledge here in one spot is really cool. Will only add a couple of quick comments here - Is it a fair statement to say that valuing Full Classics may not be the strong suit of the HMN staff? Outside of Dave Shulz I am not sure they have a lot of Classic expertise in house, and he is not usually involved in the auction results or at least the author credited with the write ups. These reports have stumbled on the detail on some pretty common prewar cars - a year os so I remember one comment on a prewar Packard "who is buying these now, they will likely end up in museums" - that was a published comment in their auction results section. Not a criticism, but an observation, they are largely postwar/muscle/sportscar guys so take their observations with a grain of salt. I think these guys are interesting general automotive journalists but not so sure on condition expertise (they seem to note a lot of #1 cars if you follow their results month over month) nor market values beyond consulting price guides back at the office. Maybe I am wrong - would love to know what analysis goes into pricing. Not sure, for example where they came up with the benchmark for the Duesenberg Tourster recently sold out of RM, a CT car and older restoration - but only 6 or 7 of these were made; is the benchmark other Tourster sales? Duesenbergs as a whole, etc. Not saying they are off base, I just wonder about that. In fairness that is a tall order for a generalist magazine trying to find value adds in today's Internet based world. Second, on sports car pricing, Porsche 356 and early 911 models are a good example of a bit larger market moving a lot quicker than the guides can keep up with. These cars are appreciating very quickly and have been for around 18 months or so, defying a slower market. I think you see that less with Full Classics, but that seems to be the case with these - apples and oranges. Even marque specific guides are tough - The SL Market Letter is pretty optimistic at times, and this monthly publication is supposedly based on latest market data, and the publisher does know the marque really well. I think the car in Hemmings, if truly in top shape, was an anomoly, and more indicative of the occasional good buy in a somewhat fragmented market than a trend, IMHO.

Now you need to sell that "T" Speedster Tom.

Bump. PM with any interest. Will be attending Rhinebeck next month and if interested make me an offer on the lot. Also have a copy of Turnquist's Packard Story and a couple other Packard related duplicates. Happy Spring!

Thanks for the feedback, Shawn. I think all agree the Classification Committee has good intentions but has not made 100% perfect decisions. I still contend that you can put 10 of us in a room and no one's personal list would be identical. I get the CCCA mission, and support it. That said, I think by not including the handful of European Luxury cars with prewar roots that are identical in nature is a lost opportunity for the club, not the owners. Hence my question to you on value. No way do I believe the small group of Alfa owners, or larger but still not huge group of Bentley MK VI owners are up nights worrying about CCCA acceptance. Another thing that is different from the 50s - their are plenty of other venues to enjoy one's car, and even the most exclusive concours includes many non CCCA eligible cars. So your point about the club's loss vs. the loss an owner of a potential candidate for inclusion might feel is dead on. (that is loss of interesting vehicles, not members) I do think the desire by an owner may be a lot more relevant in the Chrysler vs. Auburn example previously noted - an American car in the heart of the Classic Era (say '28 - '38 but again, opinions on this vary also) is somehow a different animal -

Shawn I cannot help but wonder if there is any material difference in value between a 1948 and 1949 example of your Alfa? In other words, does CCCA eligibility increase the value of such an already special car?

"The Hangover" - Saw this a while ago despite being told not to bother. It was a classic example of underpromised and overdelivered, I thought it was pretty funny actually... David your son is getting to that age where you need some bonding movies...

Marrs. you got to David before he had his coffee, because I know, like me, he is no April Fool!! Have a great day.

Guy is a master at coming up with some phenominal finds...

While West made his case, this does beg the more general question - was anyone in the business of making these kinds of tops in the prewar era? I know of "carson" style tops and have generally thought they were fitted to rods and customs. Also, by the 50s removeable hardtops were seen from both the factory and aftermarket, but I do not recall seeing any fitted to prewar cars? Wonder when the first metal or fiberglass removeable hard top was brought to market? This picture makes me think of the famous photos of "Bigfoot" crossing a dirt road - its a little fuzzy to be sure...

Andy, only the two of you know if you need to sell it (or simply want to for whatever reasons) and if so, there is no shame in that. Priorities change especially for young families. That said, think about it as it may be a long time before you can replace it. If you do decide to sell, you may try posting it here as you do increase the chances of reaching the "right buyer". While I appreciate your concerns about selling to someone who could possibly destroy the car's originality, it is a tough thing to control. Today I would be a lot more concerned about the integrity of the buyer - you know, payment terms, understanding you do not expect he or she to show up on your doorstep a few weeks later looking for you to pay for that broken part they think you should have disclosed, or just a parade of test pilots. I do care, and am in your corner but when you are seriously selling their are some other things to think about. I would like to think posting here might cut down on some of tht nonsense as well. Just a few thoughts for you.

That is a strange looking top to me - agree stock height, and the vehicle appears to have been "born" a convertible but I cannot discern any top bows or typical shape of a convertible top - it also appears to be painted, understnading of course this is an old picture. Well, in any event interesting unless it is just a very smooth top...

Dave, you are 110% right. As our military is all volunteer, this young man took the same risk as our heroes who die oversees protecting us. Mastertech, so sorry for your friend and his family and loved ones. We lost two more young men in the last two weeks here in CT and personally I am finding this more upsetting over time as our whole effort in the Middle East drags on.

Congrats Don. 1934 was one of Packard's best years, IMHO, and it is nice to see this special car go to one of our forum veterans. No doubt you are aware of the PAC (PAckard Club) website as well as Packardinfo.com. Dave Czirr is someone to get to know, he is most active on the PAC site, has the same car and will no doubt be happy to share his extensive knowledge on these models with you. Best of luck with it!

Newbee, you will love the experience. As Dave points out hotels in the immediate vicinity are notorious for jacking rates during Hershey. I would suggest you check out the Lancaster, PA area - we have stayed there for years and trade a 30 - 35 minute drive for a choice of lodging, and no long lines or waits at restaurants after a long day. For me this has worked out really well. Also, plenty to do to fill an afternoon or even a day if your wife does find herself looking for some non car oriented time - or plan an extra day, just know a lot of the Amish/PA Dutch attractions are not open on Sunday. Some don't want to be that far from "the experience" but we have found a lot of show goers doing the same thing - just a thought. 15 minutes on the Internet should get you all the info you need on Lancaster, about a half hour's drive due east of Hershey.

Agree with all of these experience based comments, but another way of looking at it is even a well sorted restoration doen properly could have an unexpected issue arise. Barry, I think the best advice here was from Matt indicating once you sort it out you will eventually forget the stink of the rework and enjoy the ride - nice truck with just the right touches. Just not sure how that fits in with the Continental theme....

Two ways to dramatically improve this car would be to remove the add ons - hood ornament, luggage rack, maybe a couple other things and tone down the color. Then it would be, well graceful is not the word but improved for sure...

As Matt said scale is tough but I looked at this earlier and it looked a little big to be based on a TR to me. TR-3 wheelbase is 88 inches, so this one is a little more than a foot longer. Lines of cowl, doors and rear sure look TR-2/3 inspired but the rumble would never fit in a TR trunk which is barely big enough for a lunch box or two. Wheels look beefy - bet there is a substantial, V-8 chassis underneath. Lines are interesting, but not quite as porportioned as you can see sometimes if you look at some of those old pocket size Rod & Custom mags. Looks like an older homebuilt that was updated at some point. Agree with A.J. - a step up from last week. One more and we will be there...