1937 Packard 115 Convertible Rumble Seat Coupe.
Located near PORTLAND, OREGON.
By 1937, luxury car manufacturers were reeling from the effects of the Great Depression. Marques such as Pierce-Arrow, Peerless, Marmon, Auburn, Cord and Stutz were either gone or taking their last gasps. In an effort to diversify their market share, Packard introduced the 6 cylinder model 115 (the number denoting the car's wheelbase length.) To say it was a hit with the public is putting it mildly. In that first model year, over 65,000 115's were delivered to eager buyers. The model would lead Packard sales up until WWII, and many say it helped prevent the company from going under. In looks, engineering and quality, it is a Packard through and through, equal to its "big brothers." Of all of the 115C models offered, the most desirable was the Convertible Rumble Seat Coupe.
This particular car was sold new on July 12, 1937. It was acquired by the current owner in 2000 and treated to a full multi-year concours-level restoration. Nothing was left untouched and no expense was spared to make this Packard a standout on the road and the show field.
Frame-off restoration: The body was stripped to bare metal and painted in Packard Cream color with a maroon pinstripe (the original colors.) A lovely combination that shows beautifully today. Excellent panel fit. Doors close easily and securely. Bumpers and trim were re-plated and appear bright and crisp today. New running board mats were also installed. New tan Haartz cloth canvas top with maroon leather piping. All glass replaced.
The interior and rumble seat were completely re-upholstered in rich maroon leather. Dashboard was correctly wood grained and is gorgeous. All interior trim and knobs were also re-plated. Car is highly optioned with every accessory available in 1937: Deluxe "banjo" steering wheel, working Packard heater with defroster, working Packard radio, clock, Goddess of Speed hood ornament, dual front fog lights, triple bumper guards, RARE dual sun visors, locking Packard gas cap and trunk rack. Added seat belts and turn signals. Spare tire/wheel and car cover in the trunk. A very nice package.
PLEASE SEE PHOTOS WHICH WERE JUST TAKEN FOR THIS LISTING AND SHOW CURRENT CONDITION.
Mechanically excellent. The rebuilt 237 cubic inch, 100 horsepower L-head 6 cylinder engine idles and runs smoothly with no smoke or issues. Just 90 miles since restoration. 6-volt electrical system. Auxiliary electric fuel pump. All gauges work and register accurately. All lights work. Runs cool, even in hot weather. 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily without clashing. High speed gears fitted in the rear-end make this a comfortable highway car in the 55-60 mph range. The 16" disc wheels are wrapped by correct bias-ply wide-whitewall tires that hold the road nicely. 4-wheel hydraulic brakes stop smooth and straight. Clean, detailed undercarriage.
Following completion of the restoration, this car was shown once at the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance, one of the oldest concours shows in the west. It received a First In Class Award. It is ready to be shown and compete at all concours.
If you are looking for what is arguably the finest example of a 1937 115C Convertible Coupe available today, this is it.
WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
