1930 Packard Series 745 Deluxe Eight Convertible Victoria

The carrozzeria Waterhouse of Webster, Massachusetts was a boutique firm that built approximately 200 to 300 bodies during its five-year existence. This particular Packard is one of four extant Waterhouse Convertible Victorias built on the 145.5-inch wheelbase 745 Deluxe Eight chassis. The car is believed to have been sold in Jersey City, New Jersey on July 2nd, 1930. Its earliest known owner was Carl Johnk of Hornick, Iowa, who purchased it in the early 1960s in South Dakota and listed it with the Classic Car Club of America by 1964. By 1980, the car was owned by the McGowan Brothers of Branford, Connecticut. Two years later, it was sold to Phil Budrose of Gloucester, Massachusetts who commissioned Ray Belsito, in Waterhouse's hometown of Webster, to perform a restoration.

The car's original colors were discovered during the restoration residing under layers of later paint. During the restoration process, Mr. Belsito copied the wood pattern and all of the unique Waterhouse hardware, allowing him to build a second convertible victoria in the style of Waterhouse, and which was completed in a similar livery.

Just before the restoration was completed, the Packard was sold to Michael Calore of Exeter, Rhode Island in 1989. The car, resting on chrome disc wheels and having Woodlite headlamps, was displayed at the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It won a First Junior award at the AACA National meet at Hershey in 1993, and won a Primary First Prize with a score of 99 points at the CCCA New England Grand Classic of 1993.

After the CCCA New England Grand Classic, Mr. Calore had the car's frame, undercarriage, and hood doors painted. The transmission, rear axle, brakes, and engine were rebuilt by Jack Greenleaf of Oxford, Maine.

In 1995, when many of Mr. Calore's automobiles were sold, the Waterhouse entered the care of Ralph Marano, in whose ownership it achieved Senior status in AACA and CCCA judging, with a perfect 100-point score in the latter. Four years after entering his ownership, Mr. Marano sold the Packard to Ray Catena, who sold it in 2003 to Richard Mullin of Templeton, Massachusetts.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2023

This Packard 745 Deluxe Eight features Convertible Victoria coachwork by Waterhouse. The convertible victoria refers to a two-door car with a soft top that could be placed in a semi-open position with the driver and front-seat passenger exposed; the rear seats remained covered. According to the owner, this is one of four known extant Waterhouse Convertible Victorias built on the 145.5-inch Deluxe Eight chassis. The striking tri-tone color combination was reportedly found during restoration in the 1980s when the car was stripped prior to repainting. Along with the chrome disc wheels, it is similar to period advertisements giving credence to the fact that this might have been a Packard show car. Note the period Woodlite headlamps which add to the dramatic appearance.