1931 Packard Model 840 DeLuxe Eight Convertible Victoria Waterhouse

The prestigious Massachusetts coachbuilder Waterhouse created bodies on many luxury brand chassis between 1928 and 1933. This example is one of two Packard 840 140-inch Deluxe Eight chassis with the 385 cubic-inch Straight Eight format engine. The disappearing top folds into the rear of the body, creating a clean silhouette and long hood unobstructed by spare wheels, which were strategically placed in the rear. The convertible Victoria design gained popularity, as it invited the exposed rumble seat occupants to 'come in out of the rain.' This car was delivered new to Uruguay on November 22, 1930, and arrived in the United States in the 1970s, where it received a comprehensive restoration.

This 1931 Packard 840 DeLuxe Eight Convertible Victoria has coachwork by Waterhouse and is a former Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Class Winner. It is black with a burgundy leather interior and a black cloth top. The engine is a 385 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder unit with a single updraft carburetor which produces an impressive 120 horsepower. The four-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels while the four-wheel mechanical drums provide the stopping power. This two-door left-hand drive vehicle was auctioned at the 2006 Christies Auction in Monterey California where it was expected to fetch $400000-$500000. At the close of the bidding, it had found a new owner at a price of $449500.

The Packard Company built a tradition and reputation for style, durability, quality, and reliability. The eight-cylinder engine was very refined for the 1930 era. It was smooth, quiet, and capable of carrying the vehicles at a respectable pace. The owners of a Packard were instantly recognized as higher class individuals as the vehicles personified success in every dimension.

The Eight Series Packards were introduced in 1930 during a rough time in American history with the stock market crisis in full force. The world's economy was in question and during this time many businesses went into bankruptcy.

Though it was customary at the time, Packard made the decision to bring all body building in-house, rather than outsourcing the work. This was done to eliminate the lucrative custom coach-building commissions. To increase its position in the market, the company lowered its prices considerably. The prices dropped and continued to drop over time. Sadly, this did little to boost sales.

Finding Eight-Series Packard with custom coach bodies is very rare. The example shown has coachwork by the Waterhouse firm. Charles Waterhouse and his son created the Waterhouse Company in 1928. Located in Webster, Massachusetts, the firm had created a Convertible Victoria body for Packard in 1928 which was later shown at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle was well received and the tight deadline that was given to Waterhouse was completed on time and done to perfection. The build quality was high and the style was astonishing. George Weaver was responsible for the design. The top was very impressive and could be folder almost flat with the low window sills.

It was delivered on November 11th of 1930 to an unknown buyer. It was delivered by R. Gonzalez & Company in Montevideo, Uruguay, Gabriel Terra. It is believed to have been constructed for the President of Uruguay, Gabriel Terra or a wealthy vintner. In the mid-Seventies, it was returned to the United States where a restoration was undertaken by Tom Sparks for its then-owner Mr. Jack Skarratt. It was then purchased by Mr. Bernie Ratzlaff who finished the restoration.

After its restoration, it was shown at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded First in Class and was a contender for the coveted Best in Show. It later received a Classic Car Club of America National First Prize at the California Grand Classic in 1998.

It was acquired by its next owner in 2000.

This Packard is extremely rare with its gorgeous body by Waterhouse. The Waterhouse Company created around 300 custom bodies during their short lifespan which lasted until 1933. Packard sales accounted for about 100 of those custom bodies. This example is very clean, void of side-mounted tires allowing the elegant body to flow without disruption.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011