1931 Packard Model 845 Convertible Victoria

One of the most popular body styles for the coachbuilding firm, Waterhouse, was the Convertible Victoria. Mechanical features on this 845 Deluxe Eight include a Bijur automatic chassis lubrication, Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetion, and Packard's first use of a mechanical fuel pump.

The Waterhouse Coachbuilding firm of Massachusetts had a brief existence, lasting from 1928 to 1932, and during that time they produced roughly 100 bodies. The Convertible Victoria style used Waterhouse's G. Briggs Weaver-designed top mechanism which allowed for a large convertible top that folded flush and low with the body.

it is believed that three examples of the 845 Deluxe Eight chassis received Waterhouse convertible Victoria bodies. One example was lost in Europe when nearly new, leaving only two surviving examples.

This particular example was acquired at the close of the 1931 New York Auto Salon by Henry H. Hayden. The car was driven to Los Angeles and to Earle C. Anthony's dealership where Mr. Hayden acquired a 1932 Packard Dietrich runabout for his wife. He also had this car updated with the 'kit' supplied to Packard dealers to freshen the remaining 1931 Eighth Series stock, including the new Ninth Series radiator shell, headlamps, and front bumper.

The car was unused from 1950 to 1952, after which it was sent to Ray's Top Shop in Santa Barbara to have a new top installed. The cars later had a mechanic's lien placed on them while at the upholsterer's, and when Mr. Hayden defaulted, the two Packards were acquired by Jeremy Hass, a local Packard enthusiast, reportedly for $25!

The Waterhouse Packard was maintained by Mr. Hass in its original condition until 1993 when Don Sears acquired it after nine years of patient pursuit. Following a two-year restoration, the car made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, winning First in Class, an honor repeated at Meadowbrook. It also achieved a perfect 100 points in each of its appearances in CCCA competition, culminating with Senior honors. It was also an AACA Grand National First Prize winner and won the national Joseph Parkin Award in its division in 1995. In 1997 it was acquired for Otis Chandler and the Chandler Vintage Museum by Jack Passey. In 2006 the Packard was sold to the Muckel Collection and in 2011 it returned to Pebble Beach, again claiming a class award.