Originally Posted Online: Jan. 21, 2011, 7:13 pm
Last Updated: Jan. 21, 2011, 7:35 pm
Packard brings punch to Arrowhead auction Saturday
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By John Marx, jmarx@qconline.com
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Photo: Gary Krambeck
Bruce Fosdyck Jr., chief instructional mechanic at Arrowhead Ranch, stands next to the 1954 Packard Patrician that will be auctioned off during the annual vehicle auction Saturday,
January 22, 2011, on Arrowhead’s campus inside the William E. Nelson Auto Shop.
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The generosity of a retired school automotive-shop instructor should take today’s Arrowhead Ranch Auto Auction to another level.
The donated 1954 Packard Patrician will highlight the auction inside the William E. Nelson Auto Shop at Arrowhead, 12200 104th St., Coal Valley. The auction is a fundraiser for Arrowhead, which works with at-risk youth.
A search of www.conceptcarz.com, revealed that only 2,769 such Packards were produced in 1954, and of those, only 40 are listed with the Packard registry. They sold new for $3,800 to $7,200, depending on the trim.
Auction prices for Patricians of the ’50s that are on the web range from $4,500 to $27,500.
According to conceptcarz.com, the Patrician, as the senior Packard in the 1954 model year, is equipped with the finest nine-main bearing, 359 cubic-inch straight-8 engine, producing 212 horsepower.
This was the final year that Packard would use the straight-8 that was first introduced in 1924.
The Packard Patrician was produced from 1951 through 1954 and then jointly with Studebaker from 1955 through 1956. This is the second 1954 Packard Patrician Arrowhead has had in the eight-year history of its winter auto auction.
“The community is so generous when it comes to Arrowhead,” said
Nancy Roberts, assistant director of development at the facility. “Monies raised stay here to benefit Arrowhead programs and the youth we serve. We are fortunate so many people in our community care.”
Though the donor’s name could not be revealed, Arrowhead chief mechanic Bruce Fosdyck says it came from a car-knowledgeable person.
“It runs great,” Mr. Fosdyck said. “It’s from an automotive shop teacher locally, someone who knows cars. You can tell it came
from someone who knows how to take care of them. We certainly appreciate the generosity of so many people.”
Ms. Roberts says approximately 50 cars are up for auction today, including a 1977 Porsche 912.
“I can’t give you an educated guess as to what we will get for the Packard or the Porsche,” Ms. Roberts said. “But they are certainly attention-grabbers.”
Registration for today’s auction begins at 8:30 a.m., with bidding starting at 10.
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