Being from rural America, there are no shortage of back roads. I love looking in folks backyards and side yards seeing what they have stashed. However, I'm not the type to actually to go up to the front door and ask if something is for sale like the guys you see on TV. The enjoyment for me is dreaming about buying something cool out of someone's yard and bring it back to life. My reality is I don't have enough time, space, or money. Perhaps that's why I'm not a TV star?

I sometimes take different routes to enjoy the scenery and to see if there are any new yard ornaments or anything else interesting to wonder and dream about. One of my recent trips was along NC Highway 276 through Cruso, NC. Its a wonderful route and takes you up to the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 412ish. There is a little antique shop called Rivers Edge Antiques. If I understand it, the store used to be called Cruso Antiques or something of the sorts. Its set up in an old gas station. Its just the kind of antique store I like too! Out front are a number of random antiques from toys to gasoline themed to tools and everything in between. And of course there are a few antique autos perched around it too, including a Hudson pickup. All really cool stuff inside and out, but what caught my eye was his 1955 Packard Patrician. I noticed a time or two before but decided to stop and grab a few photos of it. I'm glad I did too. The owner is a nice gentleman willing to talk about anything-- especially cars. We chit-chatted for a bit and I looked around the store. I've been really enjoying looking for vintage accessories for the Impala, but I'll talk about that in a later post.
When I first got a glimpse of the Packard as we were cruising by, I thought is was a mid-50's Mercury. And to the untrained eye (mine on these cars) you can see the resemblance with them sitting side by side. Well, as I look closer, the only REAL resemblance is the headlight bezels and maybe the general shape. Hey, I was going about 50 when I passed it so give me a break. We're all learning, right?
It's a huge car too. It may be because my Impala is lowered, but this Packard looks like it would cast a shadow on it. I'm not too up on Packards, much less Patricians, but it is obvious in looking around this car that it was meant to be an upper class ride. I mean look at the emblem! The fancy cars of today don't even have emblems that big. This particular car looks solid and complete. I looked inside and out and of course it had some spots but looks to be a good one to easily get going again. All this to say, this Patrician is for SALE! Visit their facebook page to get their contact info and to inquire about this beautiful car.