☰
conceptcarz.com
✕

1940 Packard Super-8 One-Sixty

When Packard was established in 1899, it focused on building premium automobiles that were durable and robust. This tradition would continue until the very end, resulting in some of the finest American cars ever built.

There were four Packard lines for the 1940 model year, including two Junior models and two Seniors, which were now called the Super Eight One-Sixty and the Super-Eight One-Eighty. Due to the economic impact of the Great Depression, the bulk of Packard production was now in the lower-priced Junior Series. Packard built 90,438 Junior models and 7,562 Seniors, including 1,900 Custom Super Eights and 5,662 Super Eights in 1940.

The demise of the twelve-cylinder Packard the previous year had left the Super Eights as the Senior Packard sedans. The One-Sixty Series had taken the place of the previous Super Eight, with the flagship being the Custom Super Eight or Series One Eighty. In comparison to the One-Sixty, the One-Eight was given additional accouterments, trim, and nicer upholstery. Both were fitted with a new engine, essentially a revised L-head straight-eight with a 356 cubic-inch displacement size and producing 160 horsepower. It had a 6.45:1 compression ratio, aluminum pistons, a cast iron head, a Stromberg carburetor, and Auto-Lite ignition.

The Senior Packards rested on three chassis wheelbases of 127-, 138, and 148-inch. Air conditional was an optional amenity priced at an additional $275.00, which Packard described as 'cooled by mechanical refrigeration,' the first to be installed on production vehicles. The list of body styles included three semi-customs by Darrin and two catalogue customs from Rollson Inc.

Mechanical Specification

Most of the bodies for the Packard Super-8 One-Sixty rested on the 127-inch wheelbase platform. The 138-inch wheelbase carried a five-passenger sedan, and the 148-inch platform was used for the touring limousine and touring sedan, both with seating for eight passengers.

Series 1803 : 127-inch wheelbase

The two-passenger Business Coupe was priced at $1,525, the club coupe at $1,600, the club sedan at $1,720, a five-passenger touring sedan at $1,630, and the convertible coupe at $1,775. The five-passenger convertible sedan was priced just north of $2,000.

Series 1804 : 138-inch wheelbase

The five-passenger sedan was priced at $1,920.

Series 1805 : 148-inch wheelbase

The eight-passenger touring limousine listed at $2,150, and the eight-passenger touring sedan at $2,030.

Engine

The 356 cubic-inch straight-8 engine had a cast iron block and aluminum pistons, a 3.5-inch bore, a 4.8-inch stroke, standard 6.45:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, and nine main bearings. It developed 160 horsepower at 3,200 RPM, or slightly higher when given the optional 6.85:1 compression.

The three-speed selective synchromesh transmission had a single plate clutch and column-mounted gearshift controls. The 1803 had a standard final drive ratio of 3.92:1, the 1804 at 4.09:1, and the 1805 at 4.36:1. Behind the disc wheels were hydraulic drum brakes. At the front was a coil-spring independent suspension, while the rear had a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.

Optional equipment included a radio, heater, spotlight, bumper guards, steel spoke wheels, and dual side-mount spare tires.

The Packard 160 proved more popular than the 180 by a wide margin with over 5,600 examples built. The vast majority of Packard's output for the year were the 90,000 junior-series, six-cylinder cars.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan
Chassis number: 13772130

As the 1930s drew to a close the Packard Motor Car Company found itself facing a dilemma. The newly introduced Junior Series cars grew in popularity, but the Senior Series cars suffered. The economic and political tone of the country dictated a new norm and unfortunately for Packard their higher-priced cars began to suffer. By 1940 the manufacturer, largely under the direction of George Christopher, cleverly placed even more distance between the two lines. Prices for Packards ranged from the very modest, less than $700, to the very expensive, over $6,000 for the custom coachbuilt 180 series cars. The two Junior models became Packard's bread and butter of those Depression years, with advertising greatly focused around their low prices. The Seniors were renamed the Super Eight 160 and the Custom Super Eight 180, both fitted with the new 160hp engines. Packard boasted, 'Unmistakably a leader!', these Senior cars were fitted with 'the most powerful 8-cylinder motor built for passenger car use in America today.' The One-Sixty and One-Eighty had several distinguishing factors including hubcaps and hood louvers. The One-Sixty also featured the 'flying lady' mascot while the One-Eighty carried the cormorant.

The Packard on offer was originally spotted by the mother of one of Hollywood's great stars, Ginger Rogers, who at the time was cast in the film, The Major and the Minor, directed by the Academy Award-winning, Billy Wilder. In an effort to please his glamorous leading lady, Mr. Wilder purchased the car to chauffeur Ginger and her mother to and from the set. Ultimately, the Packard instead followed Mr. Wilder as his career soared (during his lifetime he had been nominated for 21 Academy Awards and won six, including two for best picture.) The Packard remained at Paramount Studios as a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age until it was traded for a new Cadillac in 1946. The new owner, a mechanic who had worked on the car, kept it until his death in the 1970s when it was then sold to a collector in New Jersey where it spent the next two decades in storage. Deeply in need of attention, the Packard was restored and rewarded with a Senior CCCA Award while spending several years on the East Coast being shown in various concours.

In April of 2005, the Packard was returned to the West Coast when the current owner purchased the car. With great attention to detail, the Packard Super Eight received an updated restoration with additional changes such as radial tires and an electronic ignition only adding to the driving enjoyment and reliability. Since its return to California, this Packard has won awards at the Serrano Concours and most recently garnered a 'Best in Class' at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance. With fine provenance, this stunning example of pre-war elegance will continue to turn heads and would be a glamorous addition to any collection

by Christies

by Packard

Rollson Convertible by Rollson
Chassis number: 1803-2002

At first glance - even second glance - this Packard Super 8 160 1803 Convertible Victoria appears to be the creation of Howard 'Dutch' Darrin. Rather, it was the work of Rollson, and although the design has similarities to those of Darrin, there are several distinguishable differences. There is a smoother transition between the long, straight hood line and the doors, and the sophisticated sweep of the door-tops continues in an accent line well into the rear fenders. It is believed that this was the only Rollson-bodied car with this design.

This Packard was delivered to New York in April 1940, and, during the early 1950s, was discovered by Paul de Berardinis of Syracuse, New York. It was later owned by a succession of collectors and CCCA members who exhibited it at various Grand Classics and Meets in the 1960s. By 1995, it was owned by Don Sears of California, and in 1998, it became part of Harold 'Joe' Hayes's collection in Chicago. In 2001, Mr. Hayes commissioned Chicago Restorations Ltd. to perform a body-off mechanical and cosmetic restoration to concours-competitive standards. The body is currently finished in Inverness Green with a canvas top and the interior is done in cognac leather with green piping. There are green carpets, ivory-toned steering wheel, and dash trim.

This Packard earned a class award at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In 2012, it was purchased by the current caretaker.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan
Chassis number: 13772130

This 1940 Packard 160 Super Eight Convertible Sedan is a left-hand drive vehicle with a yellow exterior and a green interior. It is the Ex-Billy Wilder, Academy Award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer, vehicle. It is powered by a Packard L-head, 356 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower. It is equipped with a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with column-mounted gearshift controls. Braking is provided by the four-wheel hydraulic drums.

Due to the economic turmoil of the early 1930s, many manufacturers struggled financially during this period. One of the most devastated areas was the luxury car segment as the pool of potential buyers dwindled even further causing competition to rise quickly. This was true for Packard who saw their Junior Series of cars grow in popularity while their Senior Series suffered. By the start of the 1940s, the company was under the direction of George Christopher who continued to further distinguish the Junior and Senior series. The entry-level Packard cost around $700 while the top-of-line offerings would set the buyer back $6000. This was a small fortune at the time and a very expensive price that only a few could afford. The top-of-the-line vehicles were the 180 Series with coachwork done by custom coachbuilders. Later, the Seniors were renamed to the Super Eight 160 and the Custom Super Eight 180. They were outfitted with the new 160 horsepower engine which was adequate enough to keep these rolling luxury machines moving along at a comfortable pace on the roadways.

The Series was distinguished by a number of visual items such as the hubcaps and hood louvers. The One-Sixty also featured the 'flying lady' mascot while the One-Eighty carried the cormorant.

The example shown was auctioned at the 2006 Christies Auction in Monterey California at the Monterey Jet Center where it was expected to fetch between $100000-$120000. At the conclusion of the bidding, it had found a new owner at the price of $111625.

Mr. Wilder became the first owner of this car. His purpose was to chauffeur Ginger Rogers and her mother to an from the set where Ginger was at the time cast in the film, 'The Major and the Minor.' The film was directed by Billy Wilder. After the film, Mr. Wilder retained the vehicle and remained with him at Paramount Studios as a symbol of Hollywood's Golden Age. In 1946 it was traded to a mechanic for a Cadillac. The new owner kept the car until his death in the 1970s. The car was then sold to a collector who resided in New Jersey. The car was kept in storage for twenty years.

The car received a restoration and was awarded a Senior CCCA Award. The car was purchased by its next owner in 2005 and was transported to its new home on the West Coast. A minor restoration was undertaken and then shown at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded a 'Best in Class'.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan
Chassis number: A2304599

Packard introduced the Eight in 1924 and was the first Packard to employ four-wheel brakes. The side-valve straight eight engine developed 85 horsepower. The model line-up initially comprised ten models on two wheelbase lengths. A few years later, in 1927, Packard enlarged the engine. In 1929, a smaller Standard Eight was introduced while the larger engine continued to power the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. By 1933, they had been re-christened 'Super Eight', by which time all Packards had synchromesh transmission.

By the 1940s, the top-of-the-line Packards were known as the Super Eight 160 and the Custom Super Eight 180. Both were powered by a 160 horsepower engine which was powerful enough to carry the stately bodies. These two series were distinguished by a number of visual items such as hubcaps and hood louvers. The 160 was given a 'flying lady' mascot while the 180 carried the cormorant.

The 1940 Packard 160 Super Eight was introduced in August of 1939. Only 5,662 examples of all nine body styles were produced in the 160 Series for 1940.

This Convertible Sedan retains its correct and original engine and transmission with optional overdrive. It has been given a full body-off restoration and remains in excellent condition. It has the Stayfast convertible top, a Packard Maroon exterior, and a leather interior painted in matching maroon.

In 2009, this Super Eight-160 was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers in Seabrook, Texas. It was estimated to sell for $85,000 - $100,000. The lot failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $77,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring Sedan
Chassis number: 1376
Engine number: C-500648

Dubbed 'Blue Max', this Packard 160 Touring Sedan has won firsts in class at many concours events following its ground-up restoration. Its victories include the 2002 Silverado Concours, the 2002 and 2003 Hillsborough Concours, and the 2003, 2005, and 2007 Palo Alto Concours.

The 160 was Packard's top-line open car in 1940 and was equipped with a big straight-eight engine and a three-speed transmission with overdrive. One unique feature of the car is its thermostatically controlled grille shutters, which would regulate the cooling airflow through the radiator based on the engine's temperature.

Convertible Victoria by Darrin

This car was purchased new by James Palmer of the famed Palmer House Hotel in Chicago for his then-girlfriend, motion picture actress Dolores Del Rio. Eventually, the car was sold (or traded) to Palmer's friend John Ringling North of circus fame. It remained in a Sarasota, Florida shed for many years until discovered by car enthusiasts.

The 1940 One-Sixty Darrin Convertible Victoria sits on a 127-inch wheelbase chassis and is powered by Packard's legendary 160 horsepower, 356 cubic-inch straight eight engine.

The 1940 Packard was the industry's first production model to offer air conditioning.

Convertible Sedan

When James Ward Packard had some complaints about the Winton automobile he had purchased, he was challenged by Alexander Winton to build a better car. So he did. Packard ran his first automobile on November 6th of 1899 and, along with his brother, William and George Weiss as partners, founded the Ohio Automobile Company, selling Packard automobiles in 1900. On October 13th of 1902, it officially became the Packard Motor Car Company.

They introduced a number of design innovations, including the modern steering wheel, which helped to propel Packard as the favorite among the wealthy, both in the United States and abroad.

A popular part of Packard lore is the story regarding a potential customer who sent a letter to James Packard. They requested information about the dependability of his cars. At the time, there was no sales literature. Packard, President, and General Manager had no time to reply personally to the writer, so he told his secretary to tell the gentleman to simply, 'Ask the man who owns one.'

Since first published in an advertisement in Motor Age on October 31, 1901, it became arguably the most famous slogan to ever originate in America.

Station Wagon
Chassis number: 1372-3281
Engine number: C505313F

This Packard One Sixty Super 8 Station wagon with coachwork by Hercules was once in the Bill Harrah collection. It was restored by the Harrah Automobile Collection ship in Reno, Nevada. It has several special features including an air-conditioning unit. This Woody wagon stayed with the Harrah collection until 1986 when the collection was sold in one of the largest single-owner sales of automobiles in history.

The current owners acquired the car in 2005. It has accrued fewer than 10,000 miles since the restoration work was completed. It is painted cream and accented with chrome. Inside are brown leather seats, a vinyl roof, and a wool carpet. There are three leather-finished benches that seat eight.

The air-conditioning unit fitted for Mr. Harrah was removed to preserve the automobile's correctness but remains with the vehicle.

In 2013, the vehicle was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale, Arizona auction. It was estimated to sell for $200,000 - $300,000. As bidding came to a close, it had been sold for the sum of $220,000 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Panel Brougham by Rollson

With the demise of the twelve-cylinder models, the Super Eight line remained the only Senior Series Packard on the books for 1940. To keep up its inventory of styles, Packard management dictated that the Super Eight line be divided into two ranges - the One-Sixty (taking the place of the previous Super Eight) and the Custom Super Eight One-Eighty (now the flagship in place of the discontinued V-12). Both featured the newly revised 365 CID, 165 horsepower straight-eight that, along with Buick's top-of-the-line unit, was the most powerful engine available in America.

Senior Packards shared three chassis lengths with 127-, 138, and 148-inch wheelbase available, and air-conditioning was offered for an extra $275 (described by Packard as 'cooled by mechanical refrigeration'), the first to be installed on production vehicles. Rollston of New York, which was renamed Rollston starting in 1938, was a coachbuilder well known for building formal limousines. The style on this particular example was called 'top hat' referring to the tall squared-off roofline. It is believed that this car was originally owned by the Rockefeller family.

Convertible Victoria by Darrin

It is often said that Howard A. 'Dutch' Darrin, the man behind the 1937-1942 Packard Darrin, left his mark; not only in the automobile world but also with the people he met. In 120 he founded America's first scheduled airline, Aero Ltd. He would later return to Paris and establish himself as a custom coachbuilder, initially using the Minerva chassis. He was known for building custom bodies for the cream of European society. Dutch was called a 'breakaway designer' and it is often said that he was 'crusty, hard-bitten and had no reticence about expressing his opinions.' He truly had an enthusiasm for what he liked and contempt for what he didn't.

This model 1803 is part of the company's Super Eight Custom Line. It has been meticulously restored bringing it back to its original glory. It was part of the personal collection of David Holls, noted designer and one of the original founders of the Meadowbrook Concours, now known as the Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John.

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 13792287

The Packard 160 line supplanted the Packard 120 line, which had helped Packard survive the jaws of the Great Depression.

This 1940 Packard 160 Super 8 Convertible Coupe has been given a body-on restoration. It has a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission mated to a rebuilt engine. It is finished in a hue of light yellow with a matching interior appointed with red trim and newer leather upholstery. It has bumper guards, a wood-grain dashboard and steering wheel, fender skirts, dual side-mounted spare tires in metal cases, whitewall tires and chrome hubcaps, and trim rings.

by Dan Vaughan

Business Coupe

This 1940 Packard is a Model 1803 Business Coupe. The business coupe body style lacked a rear seat; instead, it had cargo capacity for the salesman's wares. This is one of 88 Model 1803 business coupes built in 1940. The 365 cubic-inch straight-eight engine produced 160 horsepower.

In 1940, the base price was $1,524.

Rollson Convertible by Rollson
Chassis number: 1803-2002

As the 1930s drew to a close, the Packard Motor Car Company found itself facing a dilemma. The newly introduced Junior Series cars grew in popularity, but the Senior Series cars suffered. The economic and political tone of the country dictated a new norm and unfortunately for Packard, their higher-priced cars began to suffer. By 1940 the manufacturer, largely under the direction of George Christopher, cleverly placed even more distance between the two lines. Prices for Packards ranged from the very modest (less than $700) to the very expensive (over $6,000) for the custom coachbuilt 180 series cars.

This car appears to have similar characteristics to a Darrin but actually is a one-off from the Rollson Co. of New York.

This is the only car produced on a 160 or 180 chassis with the body by Rollson. The 160 series was produced with thermostatically controlled grille shutters; they close when the engine is cold.

The owner purchased this car in the early 2000s from the previous owner of 25 years. The car has been sitting and was in need of total restoration. The current owner restored the car and returned it to its original appearance.