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@packard12man
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Robert, post some progress pictures for us please.
Reproduction coachwork and the ability to show, tour, and compete are all over the map depending on the venue and club. They are not for everybody, and several of us here watch them when they sell at public auction. I have seen unusual one off machines with incredible coachwork and craftsmanship bring big dollars, and watched others fall flat on their face. The Concours circuit is tending to not put them on the field at the very big shows..........just look at the application forms as each year they require more and more provenance. I think the most interesting thing when it comes to Packards is the factory cars in standard eight, super eight, and twelve, and how the price ranges have broken apart so far it’s hard to figure out what the buyers are thinking. Factory bodied open cars with no provenance won’t bring anything, and if the car has been rewooded it is now also a huge minus. All that being said it will be interesting to watch the progress you make on your car. The hard part isn’t the wood or body work, it’s the hardware, trim, finished wood, and all the other special items that take countless hours to get the details right. Good luck with your project.......Ed
Brian, I New Ken well back in the 80’s but never saw him in a Custom Dietrich. There are a few of them around (conv Sedan), and several have traded hands in the last few years. The unrestored on that was in Connecticut in now restored and in New Jersey. The Al Jolson car just changed hands several times in the last few years. I’m sure the regular Packard crew knows where it is. I have heard a rumor a long lost Custom that hasn’t been seen in fifty years has recently been getting some attention. I’m not sure if it is true, but the source was from a very respected collector who has similar cars. He only smiles at me when I as him about it. It wouldn’t surprise me to see it on the 18th green soon.
Attached is a photo of the 1108 56 Packard that I am confident Ken owned. Photo was taken at a Grand Classic back in the 70's. This was the 1st custom split windshield Dietrich that I had ever seen and have been hooked ever since. Also attaching a photo of a Dietrich Conv Coupe that Ken owned as well. Car now resides in California.
Brian
Dave, I have had an eBay search going for that book the last 2 years and have yet to snag one. The prices are pretty stiff.
Somehow I found one on EBay that everyone missed, it's numbered "19", some age discoloration to cover and a couple of front pages, but for the cost of a couple pizzas at Papa Johns I'm not complaining....must have had a funny title on listing for your search not to show it....
May 27, 2018Dave, I have had an eBay search going for that book the last 2 years and have yet to snag one. The prices are pretty stiff.
May 27, 2018Dave, I have had an eBay search going for that book the last 2 years and have yet to snag one. The prices are pretty stiff.
The prices are not too high, it's just that your too cheap!
The Holy Grail of Packards to be auctioned. Just looking at this machine raises much pulse level and heart rate. Will be very interesting to see how much the car brings. If I could only have one car in my garage, this would be it. What we really need are 50 collectors which 100,000 each. Any takers, we can work out the details later! The most exciting day for me in 40 years of the car hobby was a ride around 17 mile drive in this beauty after winning Best of Show at Pebble Beach. I wish I could tap the phones of a few of the deep pocketed Packard collectors just to hear the buzz. The surprising thing to me is that Judge Joe is willing to part with it. Any opinions?
I think the Judge is a very astute collector and is probably on to the next Pebble Beach winners circle car.
That’s a very nice car...........but not the Grail.
Jun 8, 2018That’s a very nice car...........but not the Grail.
Ed, I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering why you say that. Always interested to hear your perspective about these cars that are so out of reach for so many of us that we can't come up with something negative about them. 
Not to speak for Ed, although it would make him sound better, I think that all the other pontoon fendered Lebaron bodies might bring more money. My recollection is there are 4 runabouts and 3 of the Dual Cowls. The latter being the grail for me, that or a 32 Twin Six Dietrich DC or Coupe/Roadster.
This car had a lot going for it at PB. Hadn't been seen ever, never shown, one off, prewar photo showing it in its original configuration, premium owner (the Judge), premium restoration (Adams/RM), etc, etc.
Just an opinion. It’s a great car. I wouldn’t call any conv vict as the best body style of any brand of car. In my opinion the best packard in the world is the 1932 Packard Custom Dietrich Sport Pheaton up in Maine. Others will probably say a 34 Speedster. I think most would agree a Victoria is pretty far down the list. Just my two cents.
See, I said the same thing as Ed only it sounded better coming from me.
I slightly disagree with Ed. The best looking Packard of all time to me is this Victoria, and I believe it is an eight.
I had lunch with the owner of that black Dietrich convertible Victoria today.
Jun 11, 2018I had lunch with the owner of that black Dietrich convertible Victoria today.
Hmm, I wonder if this might have been at a local car show that unfortunately my family travels led me to miss. If so, I hope and trust it was fun!