1938 Packard Super 8 Convertible Sedan

[Matt Harwood]

This one is from my business partner's personal collection, and I know it quite well, having toured in and with it for almost a decade. Older restoration (circa 1995) that has been extensively toured and remains in top mechanical condition. Reportedly originally owned by silent film actress Zasu Pitts, but there's no documentation on it and I'd take it with a grain of salt. Massive 139-inch wheelbase--we parked the 1940 Buick Century convertible sedan next to it and the Packard was STILL more than two feet longer! The color is close to Packard's French Blue, but it's probably a love-it-or-hate-it proposition, although I'll admit that it has grown on me, especially since it drives so beautifully. Fit and finish are still excellent, with only very minor signs of use, and the paint has a very authentic shine to it. Excellent chrome, radiator shutters are operational, and it appears that the running board rubber is still original, which suggests that this car was always in great shape.

Inside, it has dark blue leather with no issues, no split seams, and no dryness or cracking. There's enough room in the back seat for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, but up front it's cozy and comfortable, with each half of the seat adjusting independently. Matching door panels are excellent with very nice wood garnish moldings and correct, restored hardware. All the gauges work, the heater and defroster are warm, although the radio and clock are not functioning, as usual. The painted dash is perhaps a little sparkly, but it works with the light blue bodywork, and I can see why they did it that way. The trunk is surprisingly spacious and nicely finished, and the dark blue canvas top, while requiring at least two large men to fold and erect, stows in the amazingly compact space behind the seats where it is covered by a matching canvas boot. We have some photos of it with the top down, and they'll be posted on our website eventually, but yes, the top folds like it should.

Power is from a rebuilt 320 cubic inch straight-8, and in all the years I've known this car, I've never seen it to fail to start almost instantly. Hot or cold, long term storage or a quick trip up the street, hit the button and it's running. As it was rebuilt with touring in mind, there are a few modifications including a 6V alternator (not very visible down low on the engine), an oversized radiator core with original tanks, and a Borg-Warner overdrive installed by Lloyd Young several years ago. It cruises effortlessly at 70 MPH, and makes the most luscious big torque sound this side of a Twelve. Recently service includes a rebuilt water pump and carburetor, fresh brake fluid, and exhaust system a few years ago. Mechanically excellent with work by Dale Adams and Capaldi Enterprises, and ready to tour anywhere at modern highway speeds.

This is another car where if you like the color, you're simply going to fall in love with the car. There really is nothing like a Senior Packard on the road, and this one has had a succession of careful, smart owners who have treated it right. Asking $124,900 and we're always open to reasonable offers. If I had the scratch, this one would be staying in our showroom with my name on the title, because it's spectacular in every way that's important to me. Thanks for looking!

Edited September 26, 2012 by Matt Harwood (see edit history)