Vehicle Description
1951 Packard 200 Club Sedan
The Packard 200 was an automobile model produced by the Packard
Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan during model years 1951 and
1952. Models in the 200 designation represented the least expensive
Packard model range, on the firm's shortest wheelbase, and least
powerful 288ci 8-cylinder in-line engine. It replaced the Packard
One-Twenty and the Packard One-Ten, and was renamed the Packard
Clipper for the 1953 model year. The 1951 Packard 200 and 250 were
introduced as Packard's least expensive model range on August 24,
1950, taking the place of the low-line Packard Standard models
which were eliminated for the 1951 model year. The 200 debuted as
part of the fully redesigned Packard line, attributed to John
Reinhart. Replacing the bulbous, ponton appearance, 1948-1950
Packards in the 22nd and 23rd Packard Series, Reinhart's "High
Pockets" design was more formal than its predecessor, and would
serve Packard until the end of the 1956 model year when true
Packard production ceased.
For consignment, as identified by the new for 1951 bodywork and
representing the lowest cost model from the Packard line
up,weproudly give you this 1951 Packard 200 Club Sedan. This large
chunk of Detroit iron is all in line and looking fine with many
trimmings, a snappy purple metallic paint job,undulating in and out
bodywork for the rear quarters and the end of the upside down
bathtub design. A 2 door sedan with excellent cloth interior, a 288
ci inline 8-cylinder, and straight well minded gaps for the car is
here in the halls of Classic Auto Mall for your inspection. Owned
by our consignor for the last 3 years and coming with some
handwritten service and repair notes from years prior, we proudly
offer to you this "Daring New Concept In Motor Cars".
Exterior
With its flying plane/bird hood ornament, large chromed open mouth
design front grille, and 4 count 'em 4 lights adorning the front,
this car screams you have arrived in more ways than one. 2 of said
lights are the chrome bezel dressed headlights and 2 more are
mounted within the shiny chrome grille as the marker/signal lights.
Bathed in a splendid purple metallic, the amazingly straight and
near perfectly aligned panels adorn this car. A few faults are
noted in the paint in the form of some bubbling at a few seams, a
few scuffs and dings, and areas where it appears something was set
on the paint and over time it dulled, but these are only
noticeableupon close inspection. Sparse trimmings accent the
purple, including aforementioned headlight bezels and the front
grille which is to die for, the hood ornament, and wrap-around
passenger compartment trimmings. Wide whitesare worn by polished to
the nines 15-inch Cragar Star Wire wheels and with 2 doors it's all
in excellent condition. Looking from the side view you can see the
artistic lines used for the rear wrap around glass, bump out
fenders for the rear, tastefully rounded finned rear quarters with
tall ovoid tail lights, and even the gentlywrapping chrome rear
bumper with its small bed railcenter guard. A small cloisonne badge
is in the grilleand trunk just to remind you of the brand you are
driving.
Interior
With a swing of the doors you know you are going to be in for a
treat just with the intricate stitched tuck and roll pattern for
the door panels. Light gray tweed makes these up and they are
nicely preserved, with darker gray vinyl arm rests,shiny actuators
and cranks. Dual benches, (split in the front), stretch from door
to door, and sport smooth gray tweed for the cushions as well as
the seat tubs. A near perfect purple metal dash fronts the seating
and uses a small oval for the gauge cluster with a trio of round
gauges within is fronted by the large round purple colored bakelite
steering wheel with a half chromed horn rig attaching the 2 arched
bakelite spokes. In the center is a rectangle bezel surrounded
radio and just below a chrome ribbed speaker cover with some levers
on the left side. On the passenger side is aPackard badged glove
box and an aftermarket water temperature gauge hangs under dash
central. Gray carpet floods the floors and is showing light
staining and wear and a fuzzy gray mohair headliner is above and
showing nicely, also the trunk has also been restored with gray
fuzzy carpeting.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is an original 288ci L-headed inline 8-cylinder
engine. There is a slight bit of rust on the top of the flathead
and overall the bay shows with a warming and pleasant patina.
Alsoon is a single 2-barrel carburetor, and a 2-speed Ultramatic,
(man oh man I love the groovy names the auto manufacturers used),
automatic transmission. 3.90 gears spec out the rear axle.
Undercarriage
With some faded black but totally rust free surfaces the X frame
undercarriage is looking just great and solid save for invasive
rust appearing on the inner rockers and trunk drop offs.
Independent coil springs for the front and leaf springs for the
rear suspension and drum brakes all around are seen. Single exhaust
with a glasspack muffler is in charge of the exhale.
Drive-Ability
This big purple metal is like a big magnet for this writer, so I
hopped in and went for a cruise. It was very satisfying to operate
such a nice and large car. I did notice that the wipers and brake
lights were inoperable and the turn signal stalk was a bit
wonky,but the signals did flash. Great smooth acceleration with
unlimited power for the I8, and the interior was comfortable.
Not a lot of these examples are around and certainly only 1 of 1 in
the vast inventory of the Classic Auto Mall. So, while getting your
exercise, (nearly a mile when doing the circumference here), take a
peek at this rare classic which you could be behind the wheel of as
it's priced to sell!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
