1 Of 4 Left/350ci V8/TH400 Auto/C4 Corvette Front Suspension/Vintage AC

1938 Packard Series 1600 2 Door Sedan Description:

1938 Packard Series 1600 2 Door Sedan
If you are looking for a real show car that is so unusual, you will have virtually no competition at the show because there will be no other examples, this is your car. Offered for consignment, this 1938 Packard 1600 2 door sedan, a very rare model with this being 1 of 4 known to exist, as most of the cars in this series were constructed as 4 door sedans. Treated to a straightening and custom color paint job, a powerful Chevrolet drivetrain, modern amenities, and a little bit of Corvette thrown in the mix to help with the handling make for a seriously fine cruiser. This street rod, while still retaining all of its Packard allure, is now ready to compete with the best of them at nearly any street rod show you attend. Packard, to men whose judgment the world calls good...I tend to agree!
Exterior
Design line was king in the mid 1930's and the Packard Corporation was in full swing, offering a car for nearly every buyer's budget all the while making a mark on the automotive industry. Bathed in the deep end of the pool maroon metallic, (a printout of the exact formula is included), all is looking good but showing with some slight haziness, inclusions and a notable cracking to the finish at the base of the sweeping front fender. With its skirted fenders, gracefully swept back semi-shield style grille and corresponding overdressed but classy front bumpers as well as the bowing swan hood ornament for the outside shell, aerodynamics were shaping cars by the year. A dual cowl hood sports horizontal louver vents which are on either side. Nice running boards connect the fenders, straight door panels with near perfect gaps and power windows now adorn this car. Looking towards the rear we see the rear window surround which licks toward the rear roofline bottom following the contour perfectly. A swooping rear with a chrome hinged humpback style truck and guarded bumper setup this car is a thing of Art Deco beauty. 15-inch chrome Cragar wire wheels are all around and add a wonderful highlight to the car.
Interior
The original split back bench seat and its tub have been recovered in a fuzzy velour tuck and roll broadcloth and a rear bench sports the same and is in excellent condition. The door panels follow this trend with more gray velour and shallow tuck and roll along with chrome toggles for the power windows and amazing chrome art deco cranks. Slate gray, with a twinge of green carpeting floods the floors, and above hangs a slightly sagged gray broadcloth headliner. Peering forward we can breathe in the gray painted and Art Deco inspired dash now fitted with antique ivory faced VDO gauges that monitor everything but your blood pressure. Also noted are an AM/FM/CD player, Vintage Air, and a small clock fitted into the glovebox in front of the passenger. The glorious dash and its accoutrements are fronted by a beautiful banjo style steering wheel wrapped in thick gray leather padding for the actual wheel.
Drivetrain
A 350ci V8 engine is tucked neatly within the cowls and shines brightly with its single 4-barrel Holley carburetor atop. A plethora of polished aluminum has been bolted on, making up the valve covers, air cleaner assembly and AC compressor just to name a few items. Bolted on the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic and a 10 bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Restored but maintaining the majority of the original Packard frame, this undercarriage presents with a light patina of road dirt and some very light surface rust on untreated components. All is remaining structurally sound and gives support to the leaf sprung rear suspension and grafted in front frame section and C4 Corvette front suspension. Power front disc brakes are noted along with power drums in the rear and like new dual exhaust with Xlerator mufflers snakes its way toward the rear of the car to expel spent fossils.
Drive-Ability
Awesome! Need we say more and what would one expect? Simply awesome with great acceleration, good handling thanks to the C4 front end, and power conveniences that rival most modern cars. Plus it's a Packard, the styling makes up for any shortcomings that could be noted, even though none arose.
Definitely built to be able to go and for show, this rare example presents nicely on every corner of the restoration. Although I would not do a 300-mile drive in the pouring rain, even though the car is perfectly capable. A gorgeous interior, upgraded sound system, power brakes, and keeping its original line not chopped, shaved or any other tricks that generally comes with a street rod job. Simply stunning!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is and our phone number is 855-201-7026. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.