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A letter to the new owner of the Packard

Ms. Charbonneau,

Some 12 years ago you received a gift that had been beloved in our family for some 26 years. I went with my dad to pick up the Packard from a guy who was selling it in Pennsylvania in 1986. It was originally black, but it received a magnificent and factory-standard Packard cream paint job. I waited with him to find and re-chrome the letters on the front and side. I watched it come together over a few years. He loved to take that car out and just drive it. He even enjoyed the thrill of trying to stop that giant hunk of metal with those original-style drum brakes!

He was of course melancholy at selling the Packard. But it had become time. He had fewer opportunities to take it out because he and my mom Marlene split their time between New Jersey and Florida. And even when he was in New Jersey, where the car was garaged, the car only came out on special occasions. And there was the nuisance that he was about to lose the garage due to some upcoming HOA rules changes.

He loved that car!

The “desktop” image on his computer for some ten years was of me, my sister, and his granddaughter washing the car on a summer day. I’d ask him every now and then if he wanted to update the photo and he’d laugh, pause a moment and say, “Nah! Leave it there. I like it!”

I don’t know you at all but I heard that the ’51 Packard had been your dream car for a very long time. I’m glad, and my dad was glad that you appreciated the car.

I’m writing to tell you that my dad passed away last April. I don’t know what that might even mean to you but I thought you should know.

I’m not sure if this message will reach you. I found your email address online. I’d appreciate a brief message back confirming this message found its destination. Thank you.

Best regards,
Lee C. Sonko