The 1941 Packard 180 LeBaron Sport Brougham is widely considered to
be one of the best looking pre-war sedans ever made. This example
benefited from a no-expense spared restoration that is one of the
best we've ever seen. And it drives as well as it looks, with every
detail functioning and behaving as it should. And with less than
100 made and about 20 extant, it is one of the most desired models
available. This Packard would easily be a contender at any of the
major concours events, including Pebble Beach and Amelia Island.
Highlights: -One of Approximately 99 Built -Impressive Restoration
-AACA Senior Award Winner in 2018 -CCCA Senior Award Winner in
January 2019 Specifications: -356 CID L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder
Engine -Stromberg Carburetor -160 BHP at 3,500 RPM -3-Speed with
Overdrive Manual Gearbox -4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
-Independent Front Suspension with Coil Springs -Live Rear Axle
with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs -Wheelbase: 138" -Power windows
This Packard was purchased new from Broadway Motor Sales in
Gloversville, NY on May 24th, 1941. This was one of the most
expensive Packard's available in 1941, so we can imagine it being
bought by the owner of one of the many glove making factories just
before the US involvement in WWII. The car was more recently owned
by Marvin Jelnick from Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. Jelnick was a locksmith
and had fastidious attention to detail. He restored it himself and
had the engine rebuilt by Rick Enquist, known as one of the best
rebuilders of 356 CID eights in country. The present owner, Keith
Ambs from Tucson, Arizona, is one of our consignment clients who
has terrific taste in cars. He purchased this motorcar from Tom
Crook in May of 2014, trading in his 1941 Cadillac convertible. The
LeBaron Sport Brougham was included in the Packard 180 sales
catalog, referred to as a semi-custom. This nomenclature is due to
the car being fabricated by marrying a sedan front end and the back
end of a curvaceous coupe, making it extremely expensive to build.
It then has incredible custom attention to detail. The designers
absolutely nailed it. The proportions are so perfect that from afar
one would never know that this is an 18 foot long luxury car. Every
line and angle is perfect. From the split veed windshield to the
chromed perfectly arched window frames, this is a gorgeous design.
But don't take our word for it, look at the photos and video! The
venerable 356 CID nine main bearing straight eight is iconic. It is
an incredibly powerful and dependable and with the three speed
overdrive this motorcar is comfortable cruising at 70-80 mph. The
brakes were sufficiently refined that highway speeds are relatively
safe. The livery is in Packard Blue and is nearly perfect with the
exception of one small area on the driver's rear fender. The car
would benefit from this being repaired. The Packard was ordered
with the running boards deleted and without side mounted spares,
which make the lines sleek and sexy. This is just the right look
for the Sport Brougham. This Packard is loaded with options
including the front and rear bumper guards, fog lights, drivers
mirror, radio, heater and hydraulic power windows. The wool
broadcloth interior is absolutely perfect, as are the Wilton wool
carpets. The wood work is stunning as well, with the inlay inserts
throughout. The wood finishes were only available on the 180 models
and the Sport Brougham's is over the top. Everything on this car
functions perfectly, except the clock isn't perfectly accurate.
Cosmetically, the Packard could benefit from the small paint repair
and the plastic coating on the shift lever replaced or repaired. A
very similar Sport Brougham was sold at the 2013 Gooding and Co
auction for $176,000. Details here:
https://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1941-packard-custom-super-8-one-eighty-sport-brougham/
If you are considering adding an important pre-war Packard to your
collection don't wait. These rarely come to market and this is one
of the best in existence. For more details call Harry Clark at
+1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected].
