Due to the economic turmoil of the early 1930s, many auto manufacturers struggled financially. One of the most devastating areas was the luxury car market. As the pool of potential buyers dwindled, competition rose quickly. This was certainly true for the Packard Motor Car Company, which saw their Junior Series of cars grow in popularity while their Senior Series suffered.
In 1940, the Super Eight line was the only remaining Packard Senior Series. To keep up its inventory of styles, Packard management dictated that this line be divided into two: the One Sixty Series (taking the place of the Super Eight), and the new flagship Custom Super Eight (or Series One Eighty).
They were both outfitted with the new 160-horsepower engine, which was extremely capable of keeping these rolling luxury machines moving along at a ​comfortable pace on the roadways.
In general appearance, these new Seniors were also similar. The grill was now long and narrow with the catwalk grills that were in vogue. Tire covers for the fender-mounted spares were one piece and completely enclosed. These series were the last to feature headlights mounted separately on top of the fenders, and they were the first to use sealed beam light units. Other distinguishable features of these two Packard models were the hubcaps and hood louvers. Dramatically, the One Sixty featured the Goddess of Speed hood ornament, while the One Eighty carried the cormorant.
This lovely 1940 Packard 160 Convertible Coupe received a frame-off restoration in 2002 and a complete engine rebuild by Classic and Exotic Service of Troy, Michigan. It is still in magnificent condition today. The gauges and factory overdrive work well and enable the car to travel at highway speeds without effort. For an even smoother drive and better traction, the current owner has installed radial tires.
The classic Packard Blue exterior is complemented by the luxurious interior of light blue leather and dark blue carpeting. All of the gauges work as they should, the dashboard plastic is like new, and the shutters open and close smoothly as the engine warms and cools.
It is a truly sophisticated ride destined to turn heads as it glides down the road.
