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, we proudly 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 noticeable upon 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 whites are 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 gently wrapping chrome rear bumper with its small bed rail center guard.  A small cloisonné badge is in the grille and 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 a Packard 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.  Also on 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.