1932 Packard Model 904 Convertible Victoria

The Packard vehicles built from 1932 to 1934 wore flowing fenders, a V-shaped vertical radiator shell, soft curves, and a wide selection of coachwork. Along with factory bodies, the company offered the Individual Custom line for clients who desired additional uniqueness. Among them was the Series 904 Individual Custom Convertible Victoria in Dietrich's style 2072. Only four examples were built on the 904 Deluxe Eight Chassis and this particular example is vehicle number 904-21.

This Convertible Victoria was first delivered to the East Coast and by 1948 was in the care of Melbourne Brindle. Ownership passed to Ike Brigham of Indianapolis in 1981 who soon retained restorer Steven Gunder of Topeka, Kansas to perform a thorough restoration on the car. It was given a red paint scheme with matching steel side mount covers, a tan leather interior, and a matching canvas top. Six wire wheels were chromed and shod with whitewall tires. The restoration took a year to complete and was then shown at several events, achieving numerous CCCA 99- and 100-point scores, First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and was a contender for Best of Show.

The car is currently in the care of Gene and Sally Perkins, having acquired it after Mr. Birgham's passing in 2014 from the estate. In 2018, the Perkins' entered the Packard for judging at a Midwestern CCCA event, and the car earned its First Premier Award.

This Packard is powered by a 385 cubic-inch inline 8-cylinder engine with a single Detroit Lubricator Updraft carburetor and develops 135 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. There is a three-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, a beam-axle front suspension, and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2022