Vehicle Description
1938 Packard Series 1600 2 Door Sedan
Packard automobiles were among the most luxurious, most stylish,
and highly competitive among the high-priced luxury American
automobile segments, and were commonly referred to as being one of
the 'Three Ps' of American motordom royalty. Thistitle was shared
with Peerless of Cleveland, Ohio, and Pierce-Arrow of Buffalo, New
York. While rival Cadillac introduced a 314ci V8 engine delivering
70hp in 1915, considered to be the world's first mass-produced V8
engine, Packard introduced the 12-cylinder 'Twin Six". Produced
from 1915 to 1923, the 424.1ci engine delivered nearly 90hp. The
1938 lineup was one of the most diverse lineups in its history,
with models that included the Six, (1600), powered by a 245ci
inline 6 with 100hp, the Eight, (1601, 1601D, and 1602), fitted
with a 282ci straight 8 with 120hp, and the Super Eight, (1603,
1604, and 1605). The engine in the Super Eight displaced 320ci and
delivered 130hp The Packard six was built on a 122-inch platform,
the Eight used either a 127- or 148-inch platform, and the Twelve
and Super Eight used the 127, 134, and 139-inch wheelbases. Prices
ranged from $975 to nearly $9,000.
If you are looking for a real show car that is so unusual, you will
have virtually no competition at the show because there will be no
other examples, this is your car. Offered for consignment, this
1938 Packard 1600 2 door sedan, a very rare model with this being 1
of 4 known to exist, as most of the cars in this series were
constructed as 4 door sedans. Treated to a straightening and custom
color paint job, a powerful Chevrolet drivetrain, modern amenities,
and a little bit of Corvette thrown in the mix to help with the
handling make for a seriously fine cruiser. This street rod, while
still retaining all of its Packard allure, is now ready to compete
with the best of them at nearly any street rod show you attend.
Packard, to men whose judgment the world calls good...I tend to
agree!
Exterior
Design line was king in the mid 1930's and thePackard Corporation
was in full swing, offering a car for nearly every buyer's budget
all the while making a mark on the automotive industry. Bathed in
the deep end of the pool maroon metallic, (a printout of the exact
formula is included), all is looking good but showing with some
slight haziness, inclusions and a notable cracking to the finish at
the base of the sweeping front fender. With its skirted fenders,
gracefully swept back semi-shield style grille and corresponding
overdressed but classy front bumpers as well as thebowing swan hood
ornamentfor the outside shell, aerodynamics were shaping cars by
the year. A dual cowl hood sports horizontal louver vents which are
on either side. Nice running boards connect the fenders, straight
door panels with near perfect gaps and power windows now adorn this
car. Looking towards the rear we see the rear window surround which
licks toward the rear roofline bottom following the contour
perfectly. A swooping rear with a chrome hinged humpback style
truck and guarded bumper setup this car is a thing of Art Deco
beauty. 15-inch chromeCragar wire wheels are all around and add a
wonderful highlight to the car.
Interior
The original split back bench seat and itstub have been recovered
in a fuzzy velour tuck and roll broadcloth and a rear bench sports
the same and is in excellent condition. The door panels follow this
trend with more gray velour and shallow tuck and roll along with
chrome toggles for the power windows and amazing chrome art deco
cranks. Slate gray, with a twinge of green carpeting floods the
floors, and above hangs a slightly sagged gray broadcloth
headliner. Peering forward we can breathe in the gray painted and
Art Deco inspired dash now fitted with antique ivory facedVDO
gauges that monitor everything but your blood pressure. Also noted
are an AM/FM/CD player, Vintage Air, and a small clock fitted into
the glovebox in front of the passenger. Theglorious dash and
itsaccoutrements are fronted by a beautiful banjo style steering
wheel wrapped in thick gray leather padding for the actual
wheel.
Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 engine is tucked neatly within the cowls and shines
brightly with its single 4-barrel Holley carburetor atop. A
plethora of polished aluminum has been bolted on, making up the
valve covers, air cleaner assembly and AC compressor just to name a
few items. Bolted on the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic and a 10
bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Restored but maintaining the majority of the original Packard
frame,this undercarriage presents with a light patina of road dirt
and some very light surface rust on untreated components. All is
remaining structurally sound and gives support to the leaf sprung
rear suspension and grafted in front frame section and C4 Corvette
front suspension. Power front disc brakes are noted along with
power drums in the rear and like new dual exhaustwith Xlerator
mufflers snakes its way toward the rear of the car to expel spent
fossils.
Drive-Ability
Awesome! Need we say more and what would one expect? Simply awesome
with great acceleration, good handling thanks to the C4 front end,
and power conveniences that rival most modern cars. Plus it's a
Packard, the styling makes up for any shortcomings that could be
noted, even though none arose.
Definitely built to be able to go and for show, this rare example
presents nicely on every corner of the restoration. Although I
would not do a 300-mile drive in the pouring rain, even though the
car is perfectly capable. A gorgeous interior, upgraded sound
system, power brakes, and keeping its original line not chopped,
shaved or any other tricks that generally comes with a street rod
job. Simply stunning!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
