Vehicle Description
By 1939 Packard, Lincoln, and Cadillac shifted much of their focus
to the competitive mid-priced market as high-end luxury sales
lagged. A consequence of this shift was that many of the great
American coachbuilders that relied upon wealthy clientele had
closed their doors. Dietrich and LeBaron had been sold, both
reduced to little more than brand-names while Brunn was not far
behind. Derham Body Co. of Philadelphia, however, was picking up
the slack and remained a strong presence in the industry, so they
became a natural choice for the remaining Packard buyers who
desired bespoke coachwork. While the focus was heavily on the
junior One-Twenty line, sales of the prestigious Super Eight and
Twelve still trickled on. In mid-1939, three new 148-inch
wheelbase, export specification Model 1704 Super Eight Touring
Limousines were sent directly from Packard to Derham. The cars were
then converted to open Phaeton specification by special order. It
is assumed that the Super 8 was chosen over the arguably more
prestigious Twelve for its robust nature and ease of service.
According to the widow of Enos Derham, one of the three was sent to
Canada for use in an official visit by the British Royal Family,
and another sent to a Middle Eastern nation. Featured here is the
third of these very special and fascinating Packards. Serial number
B502752 was built to special order for the Argentine Government,
then under the control of Roberto Maria Ortiz. Upon its export to
Argentina, it is believed to have received some further
modifications for state use by a local coachbuilder, such as
fitment of the three-piece rear windscreen assembly and some
additional interior appointments. This unique Packard remained in
the hands of the Argentine State for many years, which, during this
tumultuous time, meant several more presidents. The most famous of
all to use this Packard was Juan Per�n, who rose to power in the
late 1940s, assuming the office of President in 1946. Juan Per�n
and his captivating wife Eva, endearingly known as Evita, were both
lauded and loathed during their time in office. Impassioned
supporters saw Evita, in particular, as a spiritual leader of the
nation and champion of the working class. Her followers adored her
and, even some 66 years after her untimely death, her legacy
continues to inspire millions of followers. During the Per�n
regime, Juan and Eva used this unique Packard for official events
and were photographed in the car on several occasions. A
particularly intriguing image in the history file shows Evita
standing in the back, alongside her husband, dressed in a large fur
coat. Despite her smiling and waving to the crowd, she was gravely
ill with uterine cancer and concealed beneath her coat was a body
cast that allowed her to stand in her severely weakened state. This
would prove to be her last public appearance, as Evita Per�n died
just a few weeks later in 1952. By 1955, Juan was deposed as
president and sent into exile, and the Packard disappeared. So
polarizing were Juan and Evita that some Argentinians sought to
destroy anything related to the Per�n legacy, so it is quite
remarkable that something as bold and big as this Packard parade
car managed to survive. It was discovered in Argentina in the late
1970s, hidden in a barn and in rough but complete condition.
American Sam Sherman uncovered it, but he failed to obtain an
export license. Soon after, Argentine broker Hector Mandizabal
successfully exported the car, and it came to the United States
late in 1977, finding new ownership in Nebraska with Herman Zalud.
By 1981, this amazing Packard was sold to Bill St. Clair of Texas
who treated it to a cosmetic restoration. Mr. St. Clair extensively
researched the history, corresponding with the Argentine government
and with the great Packard historian Beverly Rae Kimes to
authenticate it. The Packard was shown at several CCCA Events and
earned a First Prize, Primary Division at the 1982 Southwest Grand
Classic. In 1983, it was sold via Leake Auction, and bought by
Raymond Plaster. Mr. Plaster further researched the car's history,
and he and his wife eventually set about performing a nut-and-bolt,
body off restoration. Great attention was paid to authenticity,
with the official state seal recreated on the doors, "Armourplate"
markings on the rear glass, parade flags fitted to the bumper and
many other details. Items such as the rear compartment clock, with
its period Argentinian label, served to corroborate the fascinating
story of this singularly remarkable Packard. Today, it is presented
as-restored by the Plasters, looking particularly regal in dark
blue lacquer over red leather. The paint remains glossy and quite
attractive, though it has taken on a mild patina in some places,
with some cracking and fading of the lacquer evident. Fitment of
the doors is excellent, thanks to the carefully restored woodwork
beneath the steel skin. Chrome trim is similarly well-presented,
and the body is accessorized with dual sidemount spares, a goddess
of speed mascot and Senior Trippe lights, presumably added during
the restoration. The interior is especially marvelous, with
intricate woodgrain work on the dash and the fabulous four-spoke
steering wheel. Set into the dash are ornate, beautifully restored
"phone-dial" instruments with metric calibration. 1939 saw the
debut of Packard's new "Hand Shift" column-mounted gearlever, and,
for this right-hand drive car, the lever is bent in an S-pattern to
allow for proper operation of the gearbox. Beautiful woodwork
graces the rear compartment, which retains the original clock
fitted at the Argentine coachbuilder, Ataun Goia. The red leather
has a subtle antique pattern to it, and it remains in very fine
condition, with moderate character acquired from years of gentle
use and care. In addition to the full black canvas top, a set of
side curtains is also included. Mechanically it is in good working
order, and the presentation is consistent with this being a
high-quality, older restoration. It has been shown on numerous
occasions in CCCA and Packard club events, and it featured as a
cover story in the spring 2004 issue of the Packard Cormorant.
Accompanying the sale is a generous binder of documents and
correspondence that corroborate the fascinating story of this truly
unique Packard. One of the last of the grand coachbuilt Packards,
this marvelous Super Eight Phaeton by Derham is sure to be favored
by its next keeper, much as it was by Evita Per�n. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6312-1939-packard-super-eight-phaeton/
