1941 Packard Super-8 One-Eighty Sport Brougham

LeBaron made just 99 examples of the Sport Brougham that made its debut in 1941 on the 138-inch wheelbase. These were essentially a replacement for the outgoing Club Sedan. This particular example is only the second example produced of this custom-built body style. It was ordered new by Norwegian figure skating champion and actress Sonja Henie. It was sold on November 1st of 1940 by the Earle C. Anthony dealership in Los Angeles.

After Ms. Heine's ownership, this car passed to at least one other caretaker before Richard L. Roach, acquired it in the early 2000s. The Packard was purchased soon thereafter by fellow AACA member Francis Childs of Jupiter, Florida, who immediately began an extensive frame-off restoration. The work took nearly three years to complete at a cost exceeding $250,000.

After the restoration work was completed in late 2008, this Super-8 One-Eighty was exhibited at the Lake Mirror Classic in Lakeland, Florida in October 2009. It was awarded with a Best of Show honorable mention. Following a Second in Class award at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance in February 2010, the Packard was shown at the AACA's national meet in Homestead, Florida, where it won a First Junior Award. It was later shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

A year later it earned a 100-point score and a Primary Division win at the CCCA meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, in January of 2011. Two months later, it earned a Senior 1st place badge at the AACA 2011 national winter meet. In early 2012, this Sport Brougham was acquired by its current owner.

The car is finished in Balboa Blue paint with a broadcloth upholstery interior. It has a 3-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a 356 CID L-Head 8-cylinder engine.

In 2013, the vehicle was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction. It was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $150,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, it had been sold for the sum of $176,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013