1931 Packard Model 845 Convertible Coupe

Packard produced 1,053 845 DeLuxe Eights built with most wearing formal factory coachwork and just 94 were delivered to custom coachbuilders as bare chassis. The Convertible Coupe designed by LeBaron featured lightweight aluminum construction, elegant sweeping lines, and a neatly integrated disappearing top. It is believed that 50 examples of this body style were built with the vast majority being fitted to Packard's 845 DeLuxe chassis.

Chassis 845-91
The history of this car dates back to 1940 when it was owned by Walter Paine's Chevrolet garage in King City, California. The Packard was used as a tow truck. In the early 1940s, Mr. Paine sold the Packard to his friend Leo Meyer, a local tomato farmer. It was used on his ranch for a few years before he removed the makeshift crane and installed a proper trunk lid.

Around 1965, Mr. Meyer presented the Convertible Coupe to his son as a birthday present. His son Robert had little use for the aging car, so he placed it on blocks in a local warehouse.

Between November 1977 and May 1980, the car was given a restoration. It made its show-field debut at the Silverado Concours d'Elegance on June 1st of 1980 and was awarded with a First in Class trophy. From there, the 845 went on to earn a perfect 100-point score at the CCCA Grand Classic in Carmel, a First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and three consecutive First in Class and Best of Show honors at the concours in Santa Clara, Walnut Creek, and Santa Barbara.

At the CCA National Meet in San Francisco, the Packard scored a perfect 100-point score and first place in the Senior Division. This was followed by First in Class awards at Walnut Creek and Hillsborough as well as Best of Show honors at the Sunol Concours d'Elegance.

Over the next three years, the car won four First in Class awards, several special prizes, Best of Show, and a CCCA Senior Emeritus award.

In 1985, the car was given extensive cosmetic freshening and mechanical attention. It would continue its winning tradition by capturing First in Class and the Honorary Judges Award at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance and a First in Class at the Tucson National Concours d'Elegance.

In 1991 it received yet another 100-point score and Premier Crown status at the CCCA Annual Meeting.

During its decade-long concours campaign, the LeBaron-bodied Packard earned more than 20 consecutive First Place awards, numerous 100-point scores, and several prestigious Best of Show trophies.

Mr. Meyer would keep the car for over a quarter century before passing it on to a new caretaker.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013