1941 Packard 160 DE Convertible Coupe
Vehicle No. DE-1479-2015
Engine No. D500663 (One-Sixty: D-500001->504550)
Series 1903. 160 hp, 356 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127 in.
For 1941’s Nineteenth Series models, Packard extensively modernized the car’s styling, lengthening all bodies by five inches, moving radiators further forward, and blending the headlamps and parking lights smoothly into the fenders. Outside of the limited-production “Darrins,” the most costly convertibles were found in the Super Eight One Sixty line, including a sleek convertible coupe with an excellent power-to-weight ratio thanks to its nine-main-bearing, 356-cubic-inch engine.
Importantly this example retains the original firewall vehicle number tag, identifying it as a genuine One Sixty Convertible Coupe DE, delivered by the Packard Motor Car Company of New York on April 26, 1941. Further, it is desirably outfitted with the Deluxe interior, which features genuine wood garnish moldings for a touch of old-fashioned elegance, as well as sidemounted spare tires.
The previous owner acquired this fine Saratoga Beige Packard on the West Coast nearly two decades ago, as the latest in a line of high-quality Classic Packards to have passed through his hands. At the time the car was in solid, very original condition, reportedly including even the factory interior and top, in good driver-quality order. Subsequently the engine was fully rebuilt by Buxbaum Brothers, and a new top and interior were fitted. Afterward the car was driven extensively, including participation in a CCCA CARavan in Montana and other events over the years. As a testament to its excellent care and maintenance, it was most recently driven from its home in New Jersey to Laferriere Classic Cars (over 200 miles on Interstate 95), and has since undergone further professional sorting at the hands of marque specialists Parker’s Packards, including proper adjustment of all valves, repair and surfacing of the manifolds, tuning the carburetor and ignition, and rebuilding the speedometer, ammeter, and temperature gauges.
Today running sweetly on its radial tires and in very good overall condition, this handsome Packard is sure to thrill a new owner on further CARavan adventures or simply ice cream trips.
Tom's Test Drive: I have driven this Packard about 80 miles so far. On the interstate comfortably at 65, night driving with all lights on with charging up to par. Brakes very well, no running hot issues, starts easily hot or cold. Power top working as it should, great boot fit. Shifting is fine, but this is a little clutch chatter starting off. Steering and suspension doing their job, with a few squeaks and rattles here and there. Radio lights up and makes great static. :-)
