1938 Packard 1608 Twelve All Weather Town Car

New York City coachbuilder Rollston was highly regarded for its formal town cars, which were designed to be driven by a liveried chauffeur who rode exposed to the elements, in the style of horse-drawn carriages. Their popularity led Packard to catalogue them as a 'semi-custom' and with the economic turmoil caused by the Great Depression, Packard felt that it was necessary to produce the All-Weather Town Car in the most cost-effective way possible. Thus, rather than having Rollston build entire new bodies from scratch, Packard sent them its own touring limousine bodies, which were then modified by Rollston with padded formal rooflines, fine interior trim, and open front seats.

This particular Sixteenth Series All-Weather Town Car is one of only three known Rollston survivors. The original firewall tag records its delivery as October 8th of 1937, by the Packard branch located on 11th Avenue in New York City. The original owner of this example is not known. It was acquired by the current owners from an East Coast owner in 1989, and it has resided in the Detroit area ever since.

The car is finished in Packard Maroon and features leather upholstery for the driver and soft wool broadcloth for the passengers, with the interior being lit by courtesy lamps and surrounded by richly hued woodwork. It is equipped with the tendelet, to cover the driver's seat in the rear, as well as a lap robe for the passengers.

The car has achieved CCCA Premier status, and it appeared at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in both 2004 and 2010.