One of my earliest posts for CC was also one of my best finds: a 1958 Packard Hardtop, one of 675 built. Finding one in less than fully-restored condition is rare indeed, but luck sometimes favors those who keep their eyes peeled–and a camera in the car at all times.
Here’s how it looked nearly a year ago, when it debuted on this website (CC here). As you can see, the wheel covers have disappeared (most likely put away for safekeeping by the owner) and a new set of RWL tires have been added. A fine idea, as the prior mismatched set of whitewalls and snow tires were seriously worn out.
It actually had a blue tarp hiding it from view during most of the year. Even a month ago, the Packard was shielded from view, save its nose. Our Midwestern super-storm a couple of weeks ago appears to have shredded it quite neatly, giving me the opportunity to get a couple of shots. Good thing the windows are now up, since they weren’t when I first saw it in February 2012.
It does appear to have been kept sound over the past year, although likely it still has quite a way to go before being road-ready once again. I hope it does get restored, as these cars are something else in factory-fresh form, as you can see in the brochure pic above.
image on right: towallpaper.com
The shop where it’s parked has had a lot more activity than last year (I pass it on a regular basis on my way to work). There are also a bunch of old motorcycles inside. Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to tell you it was at a car show and running–I hope!
I would like to see it restored too.That’s a very Mopar looking sweepspear and fin on these final Packards was there a bit of industrial espionage going on?
Have to say that after seeing that factory sales brochure, my thoughts were much like yours, that it appears very much like late-’50’s Mopar trim from the side. And, like you and Tom, really hope it gets restored in the near future.
This one was a highly impressive find. I am glad to see that someone is trying to care for it. I hope that the owner is able to get this one back on the road.
Maybe it’s just the angle of the photo.. but it looks like the left side tailfin has been pulled off, but the right side fin is still there. As we well know, the S-P tailfins were just grafted on.
You’re right, it was missing one of its fiberglass fins.
Looks better without it. Would it be unthinkable to “restore” it without them?
I would like to see it, or one of these restored without the hideous bulging pod headlights and outward jutting fins. SPC’s normally fluid lines were bastardized on the 58’s by Duncan McRae. There was no need for these tack ons. The new, necessary for 58 quad headlights fit into the existing fender lines. I have seen these NOS fenders and it’s clear the stylist lost his mind. Or, they could have stacked the headlights. The rear fins should have been added straight up, not canted, and pulled back a little like the 57-58 Dodge. All in all, it could have been far more attractive. Ditto, the 58 Studebaker.
Hopefully it lives. Very rare car indeed.
I hope Jerry is a little more careful than these guys:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-outtake-tangled-up-in-the-wires/
because that dumpster is a tad close.
Rare beastie and good to see its still around, Those blue tarps are useless I had one over the Minx at one point but the sunlight ate the tarp ang I like the patina growing on its roof
THE CAR IN THE PICTURE IS MINE… I WILL SELL IT MAKE ME AN OFFER!