1940 Packard Custom Super-8 One-Eighty Club Sedan

A Senior Series Model with Special Features
The Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit was America's premier automobile manufacturer during the first four decades of the 20th century. However, the post-Depression decline in ultra-luxury cars forced a refocusing that resulted in the medium-priced 1935 One-Twenty and, two years later, a Six. Then, in 1939 the mighty Twelve's were discontinued. Thus, in 1940 the new Custom Super Eight One-Eighty, offered in three wheelbases, crowned the Packard line.

This particular Custom Super Eight was a low-production model characterized by its unique 'Club Sedan' cabin styling, with blind rear quarters. Most Packard 180s were 7-passenger cars built on a 148-inch wheelbase, but the 5-passenger Club Sedan had a 127-inch wheelbase, making it especially maneuverable. The luxurious interior included two rear seat vanities, each with a perfume bottle and comb holder. The dual side-mount spare tires and trunk rack were optional.

The 1940 model year was the first for the massive Super Eight 356 cubic-inch engine as well as a column shift for 3-speed transmission with overdrive.

This Packard has been in the exhibitor's family for 35 years. A full restoration was begun in 1999 and completed in January 2007. The most challenging aspects were the research and execution of the correct dashboard and two-tone broadcloth interior. Only about 20 1940 180 Club Sedans such as this remain.

The Super 8 180 was Packard's most senior automobile. The 180 Series offered standard with dual sidemounts and a trunk rack. 1940 was also Packard's first year for the column shift transmission and the last year for the independent free-standing headlamps. With a 356 cubic-inch inline eight and an overdrive transmission the Packard 180 was designed for boulevard touring and high-speed road travel.

One of the unique features of the Club Sedan is twin mirrored rear-mounted vanities, each with a perfume bottle. The owner has had this automobile in his family for 35 years. The restoration was completed in 2007.