The Vee-windshield Packard 904 Deluxe Eights were essentially the last custom-bodied Dietrichs built in 1931, the last year that Dietrich controlled the company that bore his name. The cars were powered by the 120 bhp L-head straight 8-cylinder engine, the bodies were crafted in the style, colors and trim chosen by the buyer, and they could be fitted with many options, such as the finely built folding wings seen on this car’s rear windscreen. Phaetons were offered only in 1932 and 1933. About a dozen 904 Sport Phaetons were custom built by Dietrich and this car is one of just two that have survived. Past owners of this car have included Otis Chandler, the Imperial Palace Auto Collection, General William Lyon and William E. (Chip) Connor. In 2015 it was acquired and restored by its current owner.
Packard was at the top of its game when, in August 1928, the company introduced its Sixth Series of 8-cylinder models. The model at the top of the range was the 645 Deluxe Eight, offered with over 20 different body styles. The 145-inch-wheelbase chassis features Packard’s legendary 384-cubic-inch straight-8, which developed 105 bhp. Cars in the 645 range are distinguished by their round-backed headlights as opposed to the earlier drum-backed units. This Deluxe Eight Runabout with coachwork by Dietrich is one of the finest and most expensive cars from the series; it cost almost double the price of a 645 with a factory Custom Roadster body. Few were sold and less than 10 are thought to survive.
Mark and Sue Lankford, Harleysville, PA
Packard introduced its first “mid-priced” model, the 120, in 1935, and it was offered in a range of factory-produced body styles. The offerings remained relatively unchanged for 1937 except for the addition of a modern new Convertible Victoria designed and built by the coachbuilder Howard “Dutch” Darrin. The design was based on the Packard Eight Business Coupe, but Darrin abandoned Packard’s rather staid factory coachwork when he designed this rakish two-door car. At first Packard was unimpressed and the design wasn’t offered by Packard as an official option, but this changed in 1939 after an example was shown at a convention in Detroit and advertised as the “Glamour Car of the Year.” About 100 Convertible Victorias were built by Darrin over the following five years. This early example was first owned by the actor Clark Gable, but he returned it to Darrin, who then sold it to another actor, Errol Flynn.
The Eleventh Series Packard Twelve was the last Packard to feature the classic swept fender lines. It also has the classic Vee-shaped radiator and matching headlights and fender lights. The interior is equally elegant, with walnut trim and many luxurious fittings. The Packard Twelve is powered by a 445-cubic-inch, V12 engine delivering160 bhp. Packard offered a huge array of body styles in 1934 but the Coupe Roadster with rumble seat for two passengers is considered by many collectors to be the most desirable. Just 50 examples were produced in 1934 and about 20 are known to have survived. The current owner of this Coupe Roadster acquired it in 2015, and it has now been restored to its original Packard Blue.
Packard’s Super-8 range was divided into two series—the 1703 on a 127-inch platform and the 1705 on a larger 148-inch wheelbase—with both using the same straight-8 engine. In 1939 Packard halved the number of body styles for the Super-8 and introduced a new 356-cubic-inch engine, which was highly successful and continued on Packard’s larger models until 1950. Darrin’s Convertible Victoria was still an option, and this example is one of the first built on the shorter 1703 chassis in 1939. The very first of Darrin’s Packard Convertible Victorias was built for movie actor Dick Powell in 1937, and the Hollywood crowd so admired the car that many of the stars of the day, including Clark Gable, Tyrone Power, Errol Flynn, Al Jolson, Ruby Keeler, and Gene Krupa, became Darrin customers. This particular car, with its trademark aluminum cowl and “Darrin-dip” doors was built for the cowboy actor Tom Mix and it has just been restored to its original configuration.
Packard introduced its first Twin Six V12 in 1916, and the smooth- running engine remained popular until the introduction of the less fussy straight 8-cylinder in 1923. The company introduced another V12 engine in 1932, which was also referred to as the Twin-Six but only for that year. The early 1930s are widely regarded as the peak period for custom-bodied prestige automobiles. This particular 1932 Packard Twin Six with its Dietrich Convertible Victoria body is one of the finest from that era—and it is the only such car left in the world. It was first delivered to an owner in Hartford, Connecticut, where it remained until 1954. After several other owners, it was acquired by Chip Connor in 2002. During its recent restoration this car was found to be complete in every detail, with original Dietrich Convertible Victoria body numbers stamped on the wood and sheet metal.
The Packard Twelve was one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the Classic Era. Most of the 3,500 V12-engined Packards received factory bodies but this car’s coachwork was styled by Raymond Dietrich and featured his trademark Vee-windshield. The design was slightly updated by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky for 1934, with a longer hood line flowing over the cowl. This Convertible Sedan was the most popular of the Vee-windshield Packards as it offered the intimacy and comfort of a closed car with the top raised and the racy look of a true phaeton with the top down. This is this Packard’s first competitive visit to Pebble Beach although it was once owned by former Pebble Beach Concours Co-Chairman Lorin Tryon.
Frank Daly ,Sammamish, WA...Stan and Val Dickison Edmonds, WA...Chris Bock Nevada City, CA
Packard introduced its Eleventh Series cars in August 1933 and it remained in production for two years. Three models, the 8-cylinder Eight and Super Eight, and the V12-engined Model Twelve were available in 41 different combinations of wheelbases and factory body styles as well as 17 custom bodies by two coachbuilders, LeBaron and Dietrich. This Super Eight Coupe Roadster was first sold to an owner in Santa Barbara who kept it until after World War II, when it was displayed in the Sacramento hall for Veterans of Foreign Wars. Since then it has enjoyed a long and noteworthy relationship with the Pebble Beach Concours. Its current owner first showed the car at Pebble Beach when he was 17 years old, in 1958, then again in 1959, 1962 and 1963. The car has since taken part in three cross-country Great American Races as well as many other tours, covering over 200,000 miles. Its first ever body-off restoration was begun in 2015, and it is now being shown in its original Packard Blue.
This 1935 Packard Twelve was ordered by one of the wealthiest couples in America, Marjorie Merriweather Post, sole heir to the Post cereal fortune, and her husband, financier E. F. Hutton. The Brewster limousine coachwork had originally been fitted to a Rolls-Royce Phantom that Hutton had purchased in 1928. The Humer-Binder Co. in New York was commissioned to transfer and adapt the body to this Packard at a cost of $6,685. A solid roof for the chauffeur was added along with shatterproof glass throughout and silk window shades, the interior window mouldings were revarnished, and the car was repainted before it was delivered in early 1935. After the couple divorced, Hutton retained the car, using it regularly until 1947 when it was laid up on blocks in his garage. The car later passed to Lewis Smith of New York and Elliott Jones of California.
The new 180 Series became the Packard’s top-of-the-range car for 1940. Sadly, the new decade heralded the beginning of the end for glorious coachbuilt cars of the Classic Era. Rollson bodies were often acknowledged as the strongest of these classic coachbuilt gems; like the Packard chassis, they were over-engineered using only the finest materials and castings. This unique Sport Sedan was ordered by Ricardo La Costa, a judge in Puerto Rico. Wood-framed and built of aluminum the finished car was shipped to the judge’s home, where it joined several other Packards already in his garage. Due to the humid salt air of San Juan, the Packard did not age well. It was returned to the United States, where it was shown a few times and then was placed in storage. Its current owner acquired the car in 2013 and has re-restored it to its original color and interior.
Packard was at the top of its game when, in August 1928, the company introduced its Sixth Series of 8-cylinder models. The model at the top of the range was the 645 Deluxe Eight, offered with over 20 different body styles. The 145-inch-wheelbase chassis features Packard’s legendary 384-cubic-inch straight-8, which developed 105 bhp. Cars in the 645 range are distinguished by their round-backed headlights as opposed to the earlier drum-backed units. This Deluxe Eight Runabout with coachwork by Dietrich is one of the finest and most expensive cars from the series; it cost almost double the price of a 645 with a factory Custom Roadster body. Few were sold and less than 10 are thought to survive.
Mark & Sue Lankford, Harleysville, PA
Packard introduced its first “mid-priced” model, the 120, in 1935, and it was offered in a range of factory-produced body styles. The offerings remained relatively unchanged for 1937 except for the addition of a modern new Convertible Victoria designed and built by the coachbuilder Howard “Dutch” Darrin. The design was based on the Packard Eight Business Coupe, but Darrin abandoned Packard’s rather staid factory coachwork when he designed this rakish two-door car. At first Packard was unimpressed and the design wasn’t offered by Packard as an official option, but this changed in 1939 after an example was shown at a convention in Detroit and advertised as the “Glamour Car of the Year.” About 100 Convertible Victorias were built by Darrin over the following five years. This early example was first owned by the actor Clark Gable, but he returned it to Darrin, who then sold it to another actor, Errol Flynn.
The Eleventh Series Packard Twelve was the last Packard to feature the classic swept fender lines. It also has the classic Vee-shaped radiator and matching headlights and fender lights. The interior is equally elegant, with walnut trim and many luxurious fittings. The Packard Twelve is powered by a 445-cubic-inch, V12 engine delivering160 bhp. Packard offered a huge array of body styles in 1934 but the Coupe Roadster with rumble seat for two passengers is considered by many collectors to be the most desirable. Just 50 examples were produced in 1934 and about 20 are known to have survived. The current owner of this Coupe Roadster acquired it in 2015, and it has now been restored to its original Packard Blue.
1930 Packard 733 Phaeton Monty Holmes & Katie NolanSeattle, WA
1930 Packard 733 Phaeton Monty Holmes & Katie NolanSeattle, WA
The 15th Series Packards had several mechanical and stylistic improvements over the 1936 models, including “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes as fitted to the Senior Packard models, and disc-type steel wheels. The 1508 Convertible Sedan was Packard’s largest and heaviest of the series as well as being the most expensive, costing $5,150 when new. Surprisingly, more Packard Twelves were sold in 1937 than any other year, despite the fact that the country was still recovering from the Great Depression. One of 41 Convertible Sedans built that year, this car’s early life is unknown. But in 1955 it was put into storage in Reno, Nevada, where it remained in original condition until 2008. Its current owners restored it, beginning in 2009 and finishing in 2015.
The 15th Series Packards had several mechanical and stylistic improvements over the 1936 models, including “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes as fitted to the Senior Packard models, and disc-type steel wheels. The 1508 Convertible Sedan was Packard’s largest and heaviest of the series as well as being the most expensive, costing $5,150 when new. Surprisingly, more Packard Twelves were sold in 1937 than any other year, despite the fact that the country was still recovering from the Great Depression. One of 41 Convertible Sedans built that year, this car’s early life is unknown. But in 1955 it was put into storage in Reno, Nevada, where it remained in original condition until 2008. Its current owners restored it, beginning in 2009 and finishing in 2015.
Known by Packard aficionados as the Sixteenth Series, the 1938 Super Eight quickly became the best-selling Packard of the era. Packard survived the Depression reasonably well due to the fact that it diversified its offerings; while many of its competitors were building only V12 engines, Packard realized that the cheaper-to-build 8-cylinder motor could be equally smooth and powerful, so it continued to offer both Eights and Twelves on different chassis. This unique custom-bodied Super Eight Coupe was ordered by a European shipping magnate. The bare chassis was delivered to the Mayfair Carriage Company in London to be fitted with this stylish and very British two-door body. After the war, the car was sadly neglected; it was abandoned and was being used as a chicken coop! Its rescuer, an American Naval officer, brought it back to the United States, and it has since been restored to its former glory by its current owner.
Known by Packard aficionados as the Sixteenth Series, the 1938 Super Eight quickly became the best-selling Packard of the era. Packard survived the Depression reasonably well due to the fact that it diversified its offerings; while many of its competitors were building only V12 engines, Packard realized that the cheaper-to-build 8-cylinder motor could be equally smooth and powerful, so it continued to offer both Eights and Twelves on different chassis. This unique custom-bodied Super Eight Coupe was ordered by a European shipping magnate. The bare chassis was delivered to the Mayfair Carriage Company in London to be fitted with this stylish and very British two-door body. After the war, the car was sadly neglected; it was abandoned and was being used as a chicken coop! Its rescuer, an American Naval officer, brought it back to the United States, and it has since been restored to its former glory by its current owner.
Known by Packard aficionados as the Sixteenth Series, the 1938 Super Eight quickly became the best-selling Packard of the era. Packard survived the Depression reasonably well due to the fact that it diversified its offerings; while many of its competitors were building only V12 engines, Packard realized that the cheaper-to-build 8-cylinder motor could be equally smooth and powerful, so it continued to offer both Eights and Twelves on different chassis. This unique custom-bodied Super Eight Coupe was ordered by a European shipping magnate. The bare chassis was delivered to the Mayfair Carriage Company in London to be fitted with this stylish and very British two-door body. After the war, the car was sadly neglected; it was abandoned and was being used as a chicken coop! Its rescuer, an American Naval officer, brought it back to the United States, and it has since been restored to its former glory by its current owner.
In 1931, most American car manufacturers were feeling the effects of the Great Depression, and Packard was no exception. Packard’s plan for survival was to concentrate solely on its top-of-the-range lineup, the 826 and 833 Standard Eight and the more expensive 840 and 845 Custom or DeLuxe Eight. This Packard 840 5 Passenger Sedan was loaded with accessories by Earle C. Anthony, Packard’s San Francisco dealer. These included chromed spare tire covers, a radiator stone guard, and a special Adonis hood ornament, all of which have remained with the car throughout its life. The original black fenders were repainted to match the rest of the chocolate brown body before the car was delivered. About ten years later, and with less than 40,000 miles on the clock, the car was put in storage. It was found by our esteemed Chief Judge, Chris Bock, who purchased the car from the son of the original owner in 1963. After a further two owners, and still in unrestored condition, it was bought by the current owner in 2009.
In 1931, most American car manufacturers were feeling the effects of the Great Depression, and Packard was no exception. Packard’s plan for survival was to concentrate solely on its top-of-the-range lineup, the 826 and 833 Standard Eight and the more expensive 840 and 845 Custom or DeLuxe Eight. This Packard 840 5 Passenger Sedan was loaded with accessories by Earle C. Anthony, Packard’s San Francisco dealer. These included chromed spare tire covers, a radiator stone guard, and a special Adonis hood ornament, all of which have remained with the car throughout its life. The original black fenders were repainted to match the rest of the chocolate brown body before the car was delivered. About ten years later, and with less than 40,000 miles on the clock, the car was put in storage. It was found by our esteemed Chief Judge, Chris Bock, who purchased the car from the son of the original owner in 1963. After a further two owners, and still in unrestored condition, it was bought by the current owner in 2009.
In 1931, most American car manufacturers were feeling the effects of the Great Depression, and Packard was no exception. Packard’s plan for survival was to concentrate solely on its top-of-the-range lineup, the 826 and 833 Standard Eight and the more expensive 840 and 845 Custom or DeLuxe Eight. This Packard 840 5 Passenger Sedan was loaded with accessories by Earle C. Anthony, Packard’s San Francisco dealer. These included chromed spare tire covers, a radiator stone guard, and a special Adonis hood ornament, all of which have remained with the car throughout its life. The original black fenders were repainted to match the rest of the chocolate brown body before the car was delivered. About ten years later, and with less than 40,000 miles on the clock, the car was put in storage. It was found by our esteemed Chief Judge, Chris Bock, who purchased the car from the son of the original owner in 1963. After a further two owners, and still in unrestored condition, it was bought by the current owner in 2009.
The 11th Series Packard Twelve is considered to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. It is powered by a 445-cubic-inch, side-valve V12 engine that was originally designed for a front-wheel-drive project that was never built and was first fitted in a production car in 1932 and dubbed the Twin Six. By 1933 the model name was changed to Twelve in keeping with the rest of the Packard range. This car is thought to be one of only three 1107 Convertible Sedans ever built. It was found partially dismantled in the basement of a house in central California. This is the first time the car has been shown in public since its restoration.
The 11th Series Packard Twelve is considered to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. It is powered by a 445-cubic-inch, side-valve V12 engine that was originally designed for a front-wheel-drive project that was never built and was first fitted in a production car in 1932 and dubbed the Twin Six. By 1933 the model name was changed to Twelve in keeping with the rest of the Packard range. This car is thought to be one of only three 1107 Convertible Sedans ever built. It was found partially dismantled in the basement of a house in central California. This is the first time the car has been shown in public since its restoration.
The 11th Series Packard Twelve is considered to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. It is powered by a 445-cubic-inch, side-valve V12 engine that was originally designed for a front-wheel-drive project that was never built and was first fitted in a production car in 1932 and dubbed the Twin Six. By 1933 the model name was changed to Twelve in keeping with the rest of the Packard range. This car is thought to be one of only three 1107 Convertible Sedans ever built. It was found partially dismantled in the basement of a house in central California. This is the first time the car has been shown in public since its restoration.
1927 Packard 336 Roadster Carl & Georgia HummelDoylestown, OH
1927 Packard 336 Roadster Carl & Georgia HummelDoylestown, OH
1927 Packard 336 Roadster Carl & Georgia HummelDoylestown, OH
The Packard Super Eight was the larger of the two 8-cylinder models produced in 1940, and its 356-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine benefitted from an overdrive gearbox that made the cars perfect for high speed touring. The Custom Super Eight 180 can be identified by its distinctive hubcaps and hood louvers along the sides. The custom body era was drawing to a close by 1940, but Packard catalogs continued to offer several body styles, including a Club Sedan as well as this Darrin-bodied Convertible Victoria that, as with many of Howard “Dutch” Darrin’s designs, were often created for Hollywood celebrities. The first owner of this Convertible Victoria kept it in very original condition for nearly fifty years. The current owners bought it in 2014 and restored it, and this is the restored car’s first public appearance.
The Packard Super Eight was the larger of the two 8-cylinder models produced in 1940, and its 356-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine benefitted from an overdrive gearbox that made the cars perfect for high speed touring. The Custom Super Eight 180 can be identified by its distinctive hubcaps and hood louvers along the sides. The custom body era was drawing to a close by 1940, but Packard catalogs continued to offer several body styles, including a Club Sedan as well as this Darrin-bodied Convertible Victoria that, as with many of Howard “Dutch” Darrin’s designs, were often created for Hollywood celebrities. The first owner of this Convertible Victoria kept it in very original condition for nearly fifty years. The current owners bought it in 2014 and restored it, and this is the restored car’s first public appearance.
The Packard Super Eight was the larger of the two 8-cylinder models produced in 1940, and its 356-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine benefitted from an overdrive gearbox that made the cars perfect for high speed touring. The Custom Super Eight 180 can be identified by its distinctive hubcaps and hood louvers along the sides. The custom body era was drawing to a close by 1940, but Packard catalogs continued to offer several body styles, including a Club Sedan as well as this Darrin-bodied Convertible Victoria that, as with many of Howard “Dutch” Darrin’s designs, were often created for Hollywood celebrities. The first owner of this Convertible Victoria kept it in very original condition for nearly fifty years. The current owners bought it in 2014 and restored it, and this is the restored car’s first public appearance.
The Seventh Series Packards were introduced toward the end of 1929 just as the Stock Market began to tumble and customers for expensive motorcars were hard to find. Packard survived in part due to the marque’s reputation for reliability as well as its beauty, luxury and comfort. The big Packards were available on two chassis, the 140-inch Model 740 and the 5-inch-longer Model 745. Finished with either a factory body or a coachbuilt design they came with a selection of radiator mascots, including the Deluxe Goddess and the Adonis. Fewer than 1,800 Packard 745s were sold of which around 50 were roadsters. Beneath the long hood of this desireable Deluxe Eight Roadster lies a 385-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine. The factory body is fitted with a folding rear rumble seat windshield, and the car has chrome wire wheels and dual Pilot Ray fog lamps.
The Seventh Series Packards were introduced toward the end of 1929 just as the Stock Market began to tumble and customers for expensive motorcars were hard to find. Packard survived in part due to the marque’s reputation for reliability as well as its beauty, luxury and comfort. The big Packards were available on two chassis, the 140-inch Model 740 and the 5-inch-longer Model 745. Finished with either a factory body or a coachbuilt design they came with a selection of radiator mascots, including the Deluxe Goddess and the Adonis. Fewer than 1,800 Packard 745s were sold of which around 50 were roadsters. Beneath the long hood of this desireable Deluxe Eight Roadster lies a 385-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine. The factory body is fitted with a folding rear rumble seat windshield, and the car has chrome wire wheels and dual Pilot Ray fog lamps.
The Seventh Series Packards were introduced toward the end of 1929 just as the Stock Market began to tumble and customers for expensive motorcars were hard to find. Packard survived in part due to the marque’s reputation for reliability as well as its beauty, luxury and comfort. The big Packards were available on two chassis, the 140-inch Model 740 and the 5-inch-longer Model 745. Finished with either a factory body or a coachbuilt design they came with a selection of radiator mascots, including the Deluxe Goddess and the Adonis. Fewer than 1,800 Packard 745s were sold of which around 50 were roadsters. Beneath the long hood of this desireable Deluxe Eight Roadster lies a 385-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine. The factory body is fitted with a folding rear rumble seat windshield, and the car has chrome wire wheels and dual Pilot Ray fog lamps.
1930 Packard 733 Phaeton Monty Holmes & Katie NolanSeattle, WA
In 1931, most American car manufacturers were feeling the effects of the Great Depression, and Packard was no exception. Packard’s plan for survival was to concentrate solely on its top-of-the-range lineup, the 826 and 833 Standard Eight and the more expensive 840 and 845 Custom or DeLuxe Eight. This Packard 840 5 Passenger Sedan was loaded with accessories by Earle C. Anthony, Packard’s San Francisco dealer. These included chromed spare tire covers, a radiator stone guard, and a special Adonis hood ornament, all of which have remained with the car throughout its life. The original black fenders were repainted to match the rest of the chocolate brown body before the car was delivered. About ten years later, and with less than 40,000 miles on the clock, the car was put in storage. It was found by our esteemed Chief Judge, Chris Bock, who purchased the car from the son of the original owner in 1963. After a further two owners, and still in unrestored condition, it was bought by the current owner in 2009.
Known by Packard aficionados as the Sixteenth Series, the 1938 Super Eight quickly became the best-selling Packard of the era. Packard survived the Depression reasonably well due to the fact that it diversified its offerings; while many of its competitors were building only V12 engines, Packard realized that the cheaper-to-build 8-cylinder motor could be equally smooth and powerful, so it continued to offer both Eights and Twelves on different chassis. This unique custom-bodied Super Eight Coupe was ordered by a European shipping magnate. The bare chassis was delivered to the Mayfair Carriage Company in London to be fitted with this stylish and very British two-door body. After the war, the car was sadly neglected; it was abandoned and was being used as a chicken coop! Its rescuer, an American Naval officer, brought it back to the United States, and it has since been restored to its former glory by its current owner.
The 15th Series Packards had several mechanical and stylistic improvements over the 1936 models, including “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes as fitted to the Senior Packard models, and disc-type steel wheels. The 1508 Convertible Sedan was Packard’s largest and heaviest of the series as well as being the most expensive, costing $5,150 when new. Surprisingly, more Packard Twelves were sold in 1937 than any other year, despite the fact that the country was still recovering from the Great Depression. One of 41 Convertible Sedans built that year, this car’s early life is unknown. But in 1955 it was put into storage in Reno, Nevada, where it remained in original condition until 2008. Its current owners restored it, beginning in 2009 and finishing in 2015.
1938 Packard 1608 Victoria, Derham Mark & Sonia RichterWanaka, New Zealand
1927 Packard 336 Roadster Carl & Georgia HummelDoylestown, OH
The 11th Series Packard Twelve is considered to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. It is powered by a 445-cubic-inch, side-valve V12 engine that was originally designed for a front-wheel-drive project that was never built and was first fitted in a production car in 1932 and dubbed the Twin Six. By 1933 the model name was changed to Twelve in keeping with the rest of the Packard range. This car is thought to be one of only three 1107 Convertible Sedans ever built. It was found partially dismantled in the basement of a house in central California. This is the first time the car has been shown in public since its restoration.
The Packard Super Eight was the larger of the two 8-cylinder models produced in 1940, and its 356-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine benefitted from an overdrive gearbox that made the cars perfect for high speed touring. The Custom Super Eight 180 can be identified by its distinctive hubcaps and hood louvers along the sides. The custom body era was drawing to a close by 1940, but Packard catalogs continued to offer several body styles, including a Club Sedan as well as this Darrin-bodied Convertible Victoria that, as with many of Howard “Dutch” Darrin’s designs, were often created for Hollywood celebrities. The first owner of this Convertible Victoria kept it in very original condition for nearly fifty years. The current owners bought it in 2014 and restored it, and this is the restored car’s first public appearance.
The Seventh Series Packards were introduced toward the end of 1929 just as the Stock Market began to tumble and customers for expensive motorcars were hard to find. Packard survived in part due to the marque’s reputation for reliability as well as its beauty, luxury and comfort. The big Packards were available on two chassis, the 140-inch Model 740 and the 5-inch-longer Model 745. Finished with either a factory body or a coachbuilt design they came with a selection of radiator mascots, including the Deluxe Goddess and the Adonis. Fewer than 1,800 Packard 745s were sold of which around 50 were roadsters. Beneath the long hood of this desireable Deluxe Eight Roadster lies a 385-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine. The factory body is fitted with a folding rear rumble seat windshield, and the car has chrome wire wheels and dual Pilot Ray fog lamps.
