Hot Rods '40 Packard coupe for a hot rod???

Found a 40 Packard coupe that has a decent body and is all there, unmolested. but I am wondering if anyone would want to make a hot rod out of it? It has mostly vertical lines in the grill etc and doesn't look to sleek. Have not bought it...yet! Whats the consensus???

 

I'd buy it. I've seen a couple that were done very nicely. The extra leg room is a plus.

 

The very first "hot rod" I ever met up close and personal was a 38 or 39 Packard coupe. It was around 1960/62 and the guy lived across the street from me in Elmhurst Queens NY. It had a 54ish Olds motor, hydramatic and Olds rear. It was a black car with what I believe was a original mohair interior. I would look inside it and it had jump seats in the back that folded up. He ran Atlas Bucron tires on all 4 corners and I believe 54 Olds hubcaps. The car was "Awesome " then for a 10 year old budding hot rodder. I never forgot it and often thought of reproducing it. Ironicaly about 5 years ago I'm going through the obits in my local paper (Daily Freeman Kingston NY) and I read where the same guy Walter Hintz died and he lived about 30 miles away in Cairo NY.

I say build it and do it "Beautifuly"

Pat

 

I kinda like packards, but I'd say the verticle grill is the jumping off point for a cool custom--more so than a hot rod.

 

It would make a pretty cool Kustom.

 

What would you do with it?

 

I have a friend that has one rodded. It makes a very nice ride, he only used the sheet metal from the Packard though. He built his own frame and suspension and floors. It's 440 Mopar powered and mildly tubbed with suicide doors. It's the only one wherever he takes it.

 

Good question. Thats what i am trying to figure out! I am a ****er for a bargain so that is part of the draw...

 

To get it finished you'll spend 50% more than a comparable Ford coupe, but get 50% or more less when it comes time to sell it. Everyone wants a Ford.

Steve

 

not everyone wants a ford . . . some people want the higher end models.

 

I'd make a hot rod out of that!
The lines are standard hot rod fodder but I'd change the grille

 

Packards are getting real popular lately, I have seen several rodded.

 

Sure, build a hot rod out of it. Put in a V8 out of a 55 - 56 Packard. It would be really cool if you could find a factory dual quad Packard V8. Seems like Bendtsens make transmission adapters for this engine, too.

 

check this one out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cadillac-Ot...c39c32d1e&item=121228176670&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

 

I'm doing a 41 coupe with a 40 front clip. Probably going to chop it. We'll see, but you should go ahead and buy it!

 

Chop it, section it, and lay that grille back about 2 inches. Then slam it on the ground.

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I bet done right you wouldnt have to much money in it, given everything is there... Trim is super expensive for a packard, so take care of whats there... But they can make some neat hot rods... I LOVE PACKARDS, and HATE fords... Every body and their brother builds an a


Be different, be unique...
Be...
Packard

 

agree with the consensus, get it.
Then spend some time deciding how to make it cool and yours.
That's coming from a 39 Hudson owner.
Disagree somewhat with Michigander. Doesnt cost any more to hot rod an off brand.
Would cost more to restore it. Granted it wont be worth as much as say a 40 Ford, but are you looking for a profit build?

 

btw- nobody seems to have mentioned the obvious - it is perfect for a taildragger custom . .
not a hot rod or street rod with aluminum wheels.

so asking whether it is a good hot rod pretty much says this is not the right match. It is a luxury car an the grille IS what makes it special and high end. Packard grilles exude luxury. If you don't want that grille you are looking at the wrong car.

 

Your uncertainty about what you would do with it contains your answer.

"A bargain is no bargain if you can't use it"

Take cold shower and move on.

 

If it were me, I would do it, but I am a packard lover!! Jim

 

I'd get it.



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If you think it's a bargain, get it. You can either build it cool or trade it for the car you want and still come out on top.

 

I remember one that looked just like that back in '62, had a big 'ol Hemi in it.
Was for sale but I was just a poor farm boy. Just one of many of the desireables that got away.

Gotta say, that ain't no lightweight Ford, it will need the torque of a big block to make it move like a hot rod oughter.

 

Weight is a good point! Something that may be important in your consideration of what it will be in the end. I'd still get it.

 

This one turned up at a local cruise night... Does it make a sweet rod? Draw your own conclusions.










I really loved the interior. The dash especially!

 

Friend of mine had one in the late 60's. Bright orange with early Olds power and 4 spd Hydro. Dunno what gear was in it, but it would make the 1-2 shift in about 5 feet! Cool car.

 

Corndog Use the money i sent you for the buick tail light and buy that thing already!!!
Oh by the way the tail light is perfect.

 

Buy it!!! Maybe it is just me but I am starting to see more unusual old cars around. Yeah, they may cost more to build, may sell for less but I like the idea of going to a cruise, show, gas station, etc and people actually want to look at the car because it is unusual. I think that car would look great with a lowered stance, wide whites and retro wheels...then be done with it.

 

Don't buy it.

Send me the contsct info.

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