Reply To: 1930 Model A Convertible on EBay

[Scott Dwyer]

The temptation to turn a lesser car into a valuable one has been going on for a lot longer in the Packard world. Coupes turned into Roadsters, Sedans into Phaetons. Way back a local fellow (long dead) took a twelve cylinder engine and turned a 1938 Sedan into a ’38 Twelve Coupe. Did a wonderful job cosmetically — quite a feat if you think about it — but the Eight chassis wasn’t designed to support a Twelve engine.

The car came up for sale a few years ago through a dealer — and was sold dealer to dealer to dealer for a while. But no mention was ever made as to its history because dealers don’t know. And don’t want to know. Only locals who knew the guy, knew the car and knew what to look for could tell. It’s like forgeries of art work being sold from investor to investor to investor. Or passing counterfeit currency. Eventually someone will find out and the last guy holding the bill looses out.

I don’t know if this has happened as much with Pierces. For a long time they were comparatively undervalued. I think it’s a shame when dealers and investors invade a wholesome hobby to make a fast buck. But it’s a free country. All you can do is not buy from these type of people.

And if you have a car to sell, please try to keep it in the family.