1954 Packard Convertible with 359 CI Straight Eight in Red & Ride on My Car Story with Lou Costabile

[@mrrepurpose9596]

One of the last of the greats. Beautiful

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@loucostabile]

Hi, If you like this video, please click on SUPER THANKS ❤ with the $ in the middle which is the SUPER THANKS button under the video. Thank you! Lou

[@reidbrown8416]

First car I ever drove was my grandfather's 1953 Packard. I later owned a '49, with a version of the same straight-8. Will ALWAYS have a soft spot for Packards. The marke exuded solidity, quality, class & luxury

[@loucostabile]

Hi Reid, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Grandfathers car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Beautiful Packard!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@unclerudy9797]

Gorgeous Packard Convertible ! Amazing Condition ! These straight eights were beasts ! Thanks for posting Lou !

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rudy, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@audieconrad8995]

Lou, what a magnificent example! 👏 The gentleman quoted that Packard engines were used in tanks. I can understand why, that thing is built like one. Interesting fact: this era of Packard was designed by the legendary Dick Teague. Keep up the good work Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Audie, Happy to read "what a magnificent example!" :-) Thank you for sharing an "Interesting fact", I appreciate the encouraging words, Lou

[@km7346]

Most car manufacturers didn’t come out with an all-new model until 1949. With Packard, it was 1951. This superseded the 48-50 bathtubs, giving way to a more modern, lower, leaner look with plenty of glass. The 51s were designed by John Reinhart, Packard’s chief designer, and were instantly well-received by the public, selling over 100,000 that year. 51 was the first year of this “High Pockets” design. Design was refreshed in following years. I’m pretty sure the design won an award the year it was introduced.

[@sprague49]

I have some reference materials which state that Packard's 359 I-8 had 9 main bearings, redlined below 2000 rpm's and weighed 1000 lbs. It was all about smoothness and gobs of torque.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It was redlined WAY above 2,000 RPM. It developed it's peak power at 4,000 RPM, so it's redline is probably about 4,400 RPM.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Wow, what a great car! That straight 8 delivers plenty of smooth power and the interior looks like a great place to enjoy it in mile after mile. Thanks for finding and sharing Mr. Janis and his Packard with all of us, Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi TheGunfighter45acp, Happy to read "Wow, what a great car!" :-) My pleasure sharing this car with you. You're welcome, Lou

[@richardkoerper1630]

My first car was a 51 Packard,my great aunt gave it to me as a 16th birthday present. Loved it.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Richard, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your 1st car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@richardkoerper1630]

My pleasure.@@loucostabile

[@JaimeSalcedoA_72]

I only have one word for this 1954 Packard Convertible in Chariot Red, and it's beautiful! I liked all those chrome details, like the swan ornament on the hood or the knight with a shield on the front grille. In addition to a nice and comfortable interior (special mention for the drawer-style glove box). And, of course, that huge, beefy straight engine block. I like how you make your videos, Lou; with those simple outdoor backgrounds, along with the pleasant conversation you have with their owners; This way you can appreciate the models better... Oh, and next time be careful, don't fall asleep in that very comfortable Convertible! Ha ha. Kind regards!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jaime, Happy to read this one is "beautiful" :-) Glad to read the details you notice. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@JeffKing310]

What an amazing Packard! Very cool. Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jeff, Happy to read you enjoy this "Amazing Packard!" :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@richcoleman469]

A real beauty. A friend has a 54 Caribbean in yellow and black.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Rich, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Friends yellow & black car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@danam0228]

Thanks, Rich and Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi danam0228, You're welcome. Lou

[@craigjorgensen4637]

What a rare beauty! One in a million!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Craig, Happy to read you appreciate the rarity of this car :-) Lou

[@CreatorCade]

Stunningly beautiful its amazing I’ve never seen a convertible Packard and it looks perfect with the top down.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Josh, Happy to read "Stunningly beautiful its amazing" :-) Good news! Here is one more for you to enjoy, Lou kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYu9q3qQnNB-aaM

[@bruceh92]

First thing that grabs me is the beautiful styling that comes with this Packard, so much so that I can't see one thing that could use a little improvement. Tasteful, not overdone, and oozes all around quality. Obviously I'm a big fan! Thank you Lou 👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bruce H, Happy to read "Obviously I'm a big fan!" :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@teddysmith457]

Oh boy! That’s a sweetheart of a car!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "Oh boy! That’s a sweetheart of a car!" :-)

[@mattcollier5957]

Beautiful Packard you have there Rich, thank you Lou for this video from a 56 Packard Clipper Custom Coupe owner here in England UK.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Matt in the UK, Happy to read you have a fun car too. Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@riverbluevert7814]

Beautiful car in every way

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@СергійШамін]

Чудове авто! Класний двигун! Дякую за відео з таким авто!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Сергій, Happy to read "Great car" :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@donaldthetruthseeker-es3nu]

Thanks for showing this beautiful car guys. I don't think I ever seen a 1954 Packard convertible before.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Donald the truth seeker, First one I've seen, and glad I was able to share it with you. You're welcome, Lou

[@gerardponchak4980]

Great car, Lou, thanks for sharing, the first car I ever remember in my family was a 1948 green Packard 4 door sedan. This brand brings back a lot of memories. Thanks again.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gerard, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the 1st car you remember your family had :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou

[@michaeltipton5500]

Wow, keep finding beauties like this for us to see.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Happy to receive a "Wow" from you :-) Lou

[@terrym5023]

What an absolutely rare gem 💎. Most ingenious design element is to make the glove box an actual box ☑️

[@loucostabile]

Hi Terry M, Happy to share this "rare gem" with you :-) Lou

[@architypeone8646]

Great car! Beautiful lines. Nice cruiser. I love in line engines....so smooth.

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-)

[@motorTranz]

Rare and beautiful Packard that one! 😍😍😍😍😍 Thanks Lou!

[@loucostabile]

Hi motorTranz, Happy to read you appreciate the rarity and looks of this car :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@jerrycallender9352]

EPIC Lou! This is a convertible Cavalier, known as Pacific. I had a 1952 in yellow late 1970 - tho' not in this stunning condition.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Jerry, Happy to read this car is "EPIC" :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@DrRobertMPick]

What an AWESOME car!! So cool!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Bob, Happy to read "What an AWESOME car!! So cool!" :-) Lou

[@larryhogan3-16]

The automobile should be built like this again in America 🇺🇸🗽. Thanks Lou for your dedication for keeping the story of cars alive.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Larry, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) My pleasure sharing the cars and stories with you. You're welcome, Lou

[@tombrown1898]

I love the early '50s Packard! Sadly, there were not enough folks that did when they were new. As for the taillights, Packard's new president, James Nance, called them "bull's nuts!" Thanks, guys.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you love the early '50s Packard! :-) Hmmm, didn't know that about the tail lights. Thank you for sharing. You're welcome Tom.

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Those are a delicacy in fine restaurants, aren't they? 😂

[@tombrown1898]

@@MisterMikeTexas Yes. They are called "prairie oysters" by ranchers out west. Retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor grew up on a large cattle ranch in Arizona. In law school, she seriously dated future Chief Justice Bill Renquist, and took him home to meet the parents. At dinner, Sandy's dad served prairie oysters to see if Renquist would eat them. He didn't, and therefore didn't earn Daddy Day's approval.

[@bdpopeye]

Beautiful car!! I always thought these '54 Packard's looked like a '54 Pontiac. Beautiful car never the less! Thanks for posting Lou! Have a blessed day!!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Gerry, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this "Beautiful car!!" :-) You're welcome. Blessings received. God bless you too, Lou

[@fabieneldridge3414]

I love the old Packards ! Beautiful cars !

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "I love the old Packards" :-)

[@mightylonesome9426]

Another gem, Lou. If I could afford to buy a really hard to find car, I'd hire you to find it. You have the knack. Great video, beautiful car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Mighty Lonesome, Happy to read "Another gem" :-) Glad to read you're enjoying the cars I find to share with you. Glad you're along for the ride, Lou

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Packards were before my time. But this convertible is a very nice example. Looks like they were well-built.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Happy to share this "very nice example" with you :-) Lou

[@ramongonzalez2112]

I don’t remember seeing a ‘54 Packard; and I’ve seen a lot of cars. I love the drawer style glove box, and huge chrome front end.👏

[@loucostabile]

Hi Ramon, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@josephwest7227]

Another Outstanding car compared to what there selling now. Love it Thanks

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "Love it" :-) You're welcome.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️THANKS LOU ,RICH …A BEAUTIFUL DAY 🤗 FOR A BEAUTIFUL RIDE,IN A BEAUTIFUL 🤩 CAR ,I REMEMBER MY NEIGHBOR BOUGHT ONE…not a convertible,when I was just about 4 years old 😁💚💚💚

[@loucostabile]

Hi Budget Audiophile Life-long, Happy to share this ride with you :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@ProFettMoHaMett]

What a beauty ❤❤❤

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read and see you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@ProFettMoHaMett]

@@loucostabile Just a wounder full Channel. 👍👍👍

[@hcombs0104]

Very beautiful car, and I liked the sound of that engine! The glove box was a nice touch.

[@loucostabile]

Hi hcombs0104, Happy to read you enjoy the looks and sound from this car :-) Glad to read you like the glove box, Lou

[@robgrear1142]

Few left these days. This car is packed full of stately grace and presence. We need to drive this baby to the yacht club for a drink!

[@loucostabile]

"We need to drive this baby to the yacht club for a drink!" LET'S GO!

[@BingBangBye]

Beautiful!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@jd4harley]

Beautiful packer to my knowledge they never made anything besides the straight A’s and the gentleman said they use it in the tank. I can’t believe that they were quite a car. Thanks for showing this terrific classic.

[@loucostabile]

Hi James, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this Packard. You're welcome. Good news! Here is a V8 Packard for you to enjoy, Lou kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYu9q3qQnNB-aaM

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Packer? Straight A has engine? What in the world is that?

[@cjdesign5700]

A fantastic Classy Auto Rich has. Unique and Packard Beautiful. Ask The Man who drives one...Thanks Lou.

[@loucostabile]

Hi CJ Design, Happy to read "A fantastic Classy Auto Rich has" :-) You're welcome, Lou

[@zackery5411]

Wow, sweet ride!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy this "sweet ride!"

[@neildickson5394]

Nothing says quiet elegance like a Packard.

[@loucostabile]

Well said.

[@frik4frak]

It's beautiful. I always loved Packard. I always wanted one, especially the 54 because I was born in 54. It's too late now, I didn't make it to an income where I could have one, have any old car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi 1910 fruitgumco, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Hope you're behind the wheel of the right one for you, Lou

[@seattlebeard]

Great car and a great job filming it. :o)

[@loucostabile]

Hi seattlebeard, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@leroycaudill96]

These were a well designed car and a well made car and very reliable car beautifully designed don't know why they didn't catch on with the public more good video Lou shows people what they missed.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Leroy, Happy to read you enjoy the design and build quality of this car :-) Lou

[@johnhart125]

Beautiful car!

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-)

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Very nice 😀

[@loucostabile]

Hi Michael, Happy to read "Very nice" :-) Lou

[@johncornell3665]

Super nice car Lou

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Happy to read you enjoy this "Super nice car" :-) Lou

[@joelafalce3357]

Lou, I love all your videos, been watching for years. FYI, the hood ornament is not a swan it is The Packard Cormorant, a very different bird.

[@loucostabile]

Joe, Happy to read you're "along for the ride" for years! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, because I'm learning all the time, like today :-) Lou

[@thyslop1737]

Pretty sweet. Car is mint.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to share this "Pretty sweet" car with you :-)

[@drcandor]

Riding in plenty of style with this Packard, and nice camera work, notice how the rubber mat is indented for the hi-beam dimmer floor switch. . . :>/

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dr Candor, Happy to share this stylish ride with you :-) Thanks for sharing that detail in the mat that you notice, Lou

[@crazycar4015]

Another beautiful Packard! Honestly, it's hard for me to think of a Packard that wasn't beautiful. It's just sad we don't have Packard or any of the other companies that formed AMC anymore. It makes me wonder what we missed out on over the last thirty or so years. Not just from AMC but even the other big three American manufacturers who would have had to compete with AMC in addition to the rest of the competition.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Crazycar 401, Happy to read "Another beautiful Packard!" :-) Thanks for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It wasn't Packard who formed AMC, it was Nash and Hudson. Packard and Studebaker are the ones who merged.

[@darrenbrisson4336]

Nice car lou

[@loucostabile]

Glad you enjoy this one Darren :-)

[@arielachong7577]

A love this card is originally congratulations ❤😂.

[@loucostabile]

HI ariel Achong, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@BillGivens]

Greatest 54 car

[@loucostabile]

High praise :-)

[@drakbar5957]

That hood ornament doubles as a lethal weapon…just ask the man who owns one!

[@loucostabile]

Hi Dr Akbar, NICE!

[@jack3inflesh]

The owner didn’t mention it but Packard actually put a 4V carburetor on that straight eight in 54. They got everything they could out of that straight eight before finally going to an overhead valve V8 in 55. Too little too late unfortunately.

[@loucostabile]

HI Mark M, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Unknown to most people today is that the 55 styling minus the new 55 taillights, as were the new 55 V8 and Torsion suspension, were originally planned for 54, but that engine and suspension just wasn't ready, so the proposed 54 was pushed back to 55. I would have brought out the new styling for 54, the new engine and new taillights for 55, and the new suspension for 56. That would have delivered a 1, 2, 3 strikes your out to Cadillac that would have taking them a long time to recover from.

[@stude2896]

Lou the hood ornament on a Packard is a Cormorant . I have never heard of the Packard eight being utilized in an army tank. Cadillac V-8 yes.

[@loucostabile]

Stude289 thanks for viewing and sharing your knowledge.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Straight 8 engines are pretty rare and have very unique sound.

[@loucostabile]

Thanks for viewing and sharing.

[@jwelchon2416]

There must be a hundred bolts holding the head down. Certainly no head gasket issues with this car!! Beautiful car!! Packards were rare even when I was a kid. Studebakers were commonly seen but not Packards.

[@loucostabile]

Hi JWelchon, Happy to read you appreciate the looks and rarity of this car :-) Lou

[@scottsullivan1464]

Lou, I wish you would have discussed the Automatic Transmissionand did this care have the leveling suspension?

[@loucostabile]

Scott, I'm not aware of this car having leveling suspension. If a Viewer has knowledge, feel free to comment and share, Lou

[@bozodog428]

Why buy a Packard? Lou asks the man that owns one! She's a beauty too.

[@loucostabile]

NICE!

[@alessandracarlotti4136]

Great video ! Many of us are lovers of great American cars. Mr. Costabile, the hood ornament is not a swan, as you say. It is a cormorant. Packard was noted for the use of the cormorant on its hood ornaments. If you plan to produce videos regarding classic autos, then please do learn the correct details before you speak.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Alessandra, Thank you for sharing the hood ornament is a "cormorant" :-) Good news! Please watch all 2000+ car videos and feel free to correct me all day long. The comment section is for people just like you to correct me when I get it wrong. Make sure to watch the commercials in full, or at least the ones you can, that's how I get paid to share with you. Stay well, Lou

[@alessandracarlotti4136]

@@loucostabile Let's hope that you're well paid. By the way,, at least the owner of this beautiful Packard should have known enough about his own car to have corrected your mistake. I'm only a 30-year-old girl...but my family have been U.S.A. car dealers for the last century. We know whereof we speak, BEFORE we speak.

[@alessandracarlotti4136]

Mr. Costabile: Let's hope that you're well paid. By the way,, at least the owner of this beautiful Packard should have known enough about his own car to have corrected your mistake. I'm only a 30-year-old girl...but my family have been U.S.A. car dealers for the last century. We know whereof we speak, BEFORE we speak.

[@alessandracarlotti4136]

I'm glad that I was able to enlighten you. Perhaps you should enlighten the owner of that car...the guy you interviewed in Wisconsin.

[@MrTrack412]

Packard "Ask the man who owns one."

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@hanschenk2708]

LOU WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR I HAVE A MODEL 1 18 REALLY ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS

[@loucostabile]

Han, Happy to read you have a model of one like this :-) NICE! Lou

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Beautiful car. Sounds like it has a miss at idle. Probably a fouled spark plug and leaking ignition wire. You could probably see the wire arcing at night or in the shade. You can even hear it in the exhaust at idle. Sure hope they don't judge at the car show if it includes running, the miss will lose it some points. Must have been an early '54. The later '54's has the new gear-start Ultramatic. This car could be a show-winner with a little detailing, especially if this is an all-original car.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Automated Electronics, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Thanks for sharing what you notice, Lou

[@matthew-emerson-cadmer-7409]

Great car! Real shame it went defunct in the 50s.

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read "Great car!" :-) I think it was Dr Suess who said, "Don't be sad it's over. Be glad it happened." That helps me with things or people that are no longer around, Lou

[@fredkelbert1913]

What’s with that loud rattle when the engine runs? Another revue of a 54 Packard with the same Straight 8 engine didn’t have that anomaly.

[@loucostabile]

Hmmm, not sure. Sounded ok to me.

[@konradbenz7110]

✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@carllavell8673]

👍🔥😎🔥👍

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@matrox]

Packard made engines for the Mustang during WW2.

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing.

[@winstonelston5743]

3:48 Note that when he cranks it, the engine doesn't move a millimeter!

[@loucostabile]

Thank you for sharing what you notice.

[@winstonelston5743]

@@loucostabile I've never seen it myself, but I've heard that some Packard eights and twelves are so smooth on start-up that one can balance a coin, usually a silver dollar, on edge on the head or other level surface of the engine and crank the engine without having the coin fall over. I had a Cavalier for a time with the nine-main 327 and could side-step of the clutch in third gear without stalling. Incredible torque, not the premium luxury model, but I've never had a smoother-running car.

[@MB-hv3ic]

restauración full-full según revistas de época el 8 lineal era anticuado .🎥👍

[@loucostabile]

Hi M B, Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@JohnKenAnderson]

It's not a swan: it's a cormorant.

[@loucostabile]

Hi John, Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@michaelvachon1334]

Little tiny baby windshield wipers!

[@loucostabile]

You're right :-)

[@JuanSanchez-zg7ti]

Stopping the production of this jewel ,was GM s biggest mistake. Ralph Nader was not the only one to blame.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Juan, Happy to read you enjoy this "jewel" :-) Lou

[@spencersmith2798]

“Ask the man who owns one”

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@roberteshaw9520]

As far as aesthetics,build quality, and materials, I prefer owning such a car as this over any of the newer plastic trimmed, over computer reliant, and generally speaking, boring to look at,sedans or coupes that I see these days.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Robert, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) Lou

[@fob1xxl]

After decades of being a class A car, everyone else was finally catching up, especially in style. Packard found the competition way to much to survive. The more modern designs from GM , FORD, and CHRYSLER buried Packard.

[@loucostabile]

Hi fob1xxl, Thanks for viewing and sharing your knowledge, Lou

[@jamesmorris913]

Gorgeous car..but could EASILY be mistaken for a high-end PONTIAC, of the same era..coming or going!

[@loucostabile]

Hi James, Thanks for viewing and sharing, Lou

[@winstonelston5743]

1:16 Not a swan. That's a cormorant.

[@loucostabile]

Hi Winston, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. Hope you see many more cars on this KZbin Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this KZbin Channel, Lou

[@cobracharmer6178]

I’d take this over a 100 SUV’s.

[@loucostabile]

NICE!

[@petestaint8312]

Beautiful car but the engine sounds like a bucket of bolts! 😄

[@loucostabile]

Hi Pete's Taint, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou

[@20alphabet]

Pretty girl!

[@loucostabile]

:-)

[@JefferyWarshawsky-zs2el]

IT'S A PACKARD

[@loucostabile]

Correct.

[@marionbenson1]

That’s a 1953 with a straight 8 not 1954

[@loucostabile]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@NofaceCat]

Beautiful automobile you have. I noticed that the spark plugs are not evenly spaced apart from each other

[@loucostabile]

Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Thanks for viewing and sharing what you notice.