1931 Packard 840 Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton

Provenance Since New, Award Winning Original Dual Cowl Packard

To this day, the name Packard is synonymous with luxury, class and style. During the early 1930's Packards success was unquestionable. By 1931 the eighth series was released featuring  the brilliantly engineered inline 8 cylinder engine, the cars also had such features as 4 speed transmissions and even a mechanical fuel pump to replace the antiquated vacuum systems of the past. The large 140 and 145 inch wheel bases of the 840 and 845 models were a perfect platform for the coach builders of the time giving lots of opportunity to build some exquisite bodies. Today these features are but rare elements of very special cars, their uniqueness and rarity make for interesting stories of how the cars have come to survive for so many years. This absolutely stunning 1931 Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton is no exception.

The story of this car begins in 1931 when it was purchased new from a dealer in Evanston Illinois. A very rare body style for its time as the Dual Cowl Phaeton is very much an open car and being the beginning of the depression years, very few could afford a Packard, even fewer could afford an open car restricted to fair weather conditions. Over the course of the next 40 years, the car would be retained by the original purchaser and his family and as cars often have a tendency of doing, becoming very much a part of the family as well. When the original owner passed in 1972 the car would be sold to its second owner, a collector who clearly had a great eye for quality cars and must have admired the brilliant original condition of the car as he would leave it unrestored, in its fully original condition for the duration of his ownership. The third proprietor of the Packard would be another noted collector who elected to take advantage of the fantastic original foundation to perform a complete, frame off restoration to the highest quality. A complete set of photos were taken of the car before, during and following the incredibly thorough restoration, photo albums which remain with the car to this day. Upon completion of the work the car would get the attention of yet another collector who managed to acquire it when the collection was sold off. He would go on to show the beautiful Packard Phaeton quite extensively while racking up a long list of awards ranging from AACA Junior First prize up to Grand National Senior and was even recognized by the Packard Club on a National Level as both Best in Class and Best in Show. After another period of time as part of a very prominent collection, the car again began attending shows while getting attention of Packard affionados and judges alike. The beautiful condition showing the level of care and detail it has always been treated to. The result would yet again speak for themselves with the rare dual cowl scoring an impressive 388 of possible 400 points at the 46^th Annual National Packard club meet.  The rarity and desirability of the Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton is undeniable and to find such a car with known history since new as an original Dual Cowl and provenance to prove it all is a truly rare find. Three photo albums documenting the restoration along with judging sheets from its most recent showings add to the special story that is this Packard. A great opportunity to acquire what is certainly one of the best, undisputed original Dual Cowl Packards in existence today.