To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Fort
Lauderdale event, 29 - 30 March 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $120,000
- Extremely rare and fascinating Swiss coachbuilt Packard
- Believed to be one of no more than six built
- One of two believed extant
- A well-preserved older restoration that presents
beautifully
- Ready to tour or show
Packard Motor Car Company produced some of the most attractive
factory coachwork of any company during the pre-war period. As a
result, few Packards received custom bodywork. There are some
notable custom bodies out there, but even the famed Dietrich and
LeBarons of 1934 were still basically factory-styled cars. Packard
preferred to control the looks of their cars, and when they did
offer coachwork by other builders, it was often to their own design
or selection.
Things were a bit different in Europe. Tax laws and duties made
imported cars prohibitively expensive. In certain countries, if the
car was imported as a chassis and equipped with European coachwork
and accessories, a significant portion of the duty could be
avoided. Consequently, a handful of American chassis made it to
Europe and received custom coachwork upon arrival. This is the case
with the handsome Packard offered here. Swiss coachbuilder Hermann
Graber, who had set up his Carrosserie Hermann Graber operation in
Wichtrach, near Bern in 1925, possessed considerable and successful
experience with body construction for a number of manufacturers,
including various American-built chassis by the late 1930s. Graber
was, and remains, best known for his coupe and cabriolet designs,
as well as his impeccable quality standards during a career that
continued uninterrupted until his eventual death in 1970.
This original left-hand-drive 1937 Packard 115C Cabriolet, numbered
115C-1088, is one of as few as an estimated six examples bodied by
Graber in Switzerland when new. Only one or two other Graber-bodied
Packards are known to have survived. As offered, this exceedingly
rare and sporting car continues to present quite well and remains
attractive, even considering the age of its restoration, which is
believed to have been completed in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
The white leather upholstery remains particularly fine, indicative
of quality workmanship, and the canvas top is complete, undamaged,
and properly equipped with a headliner.
It has been reported that the rare Packard starts easily and seems
to drive very well with no known issues, with light handling and
good power. It is desirably equipped with a heater/defogger and the
original radio. Eligible for Approved Classic status under the
Classic Car Club of America by virtue of its custom coachbuilt body
by Graber, the 115C has been a great joy to the consignor during
his ownership. Fascinating and highly attractive, this rare Packard
115C Cabriolet offers a number of great possibilities for enjoyment
by its new owner, both for tours and to show.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl19.
