Vehicle Description
This 1940 Packard One-Sixty Super-Eight Convertible Sedan is pure
rolling opulence. In fact, if you wanted a more expensive Packard
One-Sixty in its day, you had to buy a limousine. That's why it's a
certified full classic by the CCCA. So it's terrific to find an
example that appreciates its pre-war history while also continuing
the smooth cruising style of an upper-class machine built to last
generations.
Packards of this era instantly commanded respect with the bright
and tall grille. They are a first-class design with body lines that
are artfully allowed to develop. Just look at the crease that
begins like a harpoon at the hood and runs until it gently fades
away at the rear - that's pure rolling sculpture. And the red
pinstripe laid within this coordinates with the wheels for that
delicate hint of elegance. This has all the beautiful details that
you'll love, like the torpedo-like headlights, dual spare tires in
the long flowing front fenders, bright chrome bumpers, correct
two-piece wheel covers, and the Goddess of Speed leading the way.
We love the paint on this one. It's said to be the factory-correct
Miami Sand color. This was likely done about 40 years ago, and
that's part of the true appeal. It has the kind of aged-in style
that makes sure no one accuses this timeless classic of being
nouveau riche, and some may even just assume it's original. After
all, the bagging, luggage rack, trim, and folding roof also have
the right look of clean originality. It's all about the look of a
good collector where it's about maintaining and not fidgeting. In
fact, we're told this came out of a long-term collection of a
northeast surgeon and was purchased by another collector who
doesn't currently have room to properly keep this sizable pre-war
classic.
We love the look of this sedan convertible. It gives you the full
body lines and windows you could get in a limo-like sedan, but the
large folding top neatly folds back so that you can open this one
up to the world for a proper grand touring experience. And the deep
burgundy interior makes for a tasteful contrast against the creamy
exterior paint. Just like the exterior, the style is about being
well-kept but clearly vintage. You have excellent upholstery, plush
carpeting, and a stylish symmetrical art deco style dash to make
this all inviting. The amount of room in the back makes this one
feel like a presidential parade car. And it's detailed with the
fold-down armrest, proper convertible boot, and even a rear
windscreen of a touch of dual cowl phaeton style.
The engine bay continues this car's attractive time capsule style.
The 160-line received the top motor from Packard, and in fact, this
356 cubic-inch straight-eight was admired for being one of the most
potent powerhouses on the market. This is a year-correct block, and
the whole engine bay has a very preserved presentation - from the
long green block to the decal on the air cleaners. So when
something looks this authentic after 80+ years, you know you'll be
showing it off to true enthusiasts. The motor has been treated with
respect, and there's even a newer electric fuel pump, so it fires
up eagerly. The inline motor has the inherent smoothness of a
sewing machine, and the size gives it the torque of a locomotive.
This desirable powerplant is mated to a column-shifted three-speed
manual transmission, which means you get a great vintage feeling
while maintaining complete control.
Complete with owner's manual, this is a long-established
distinction with the look of long-term care. This Packard doesn't
need to climb to the upper echelons of classic car high society,
because it's already there.
