In 1938, Packard buyers had a range of engine and body style options to configure their new luxury cars. Up front, they could spec a six-, eight-, or 12-cylinder engine. The sheet metal around that could form a Business Coupe, Touring Sedan, Convertible Victoria, or one of several other available choices. But what about those clients who wanted something even grander and more exclusive? Thanks to Packard’s line of custom cars, they had options too.
The custom models had two basic tiers: A trio of less expensive cars based on the Packard 8’s chassis (127-inch wheelbase) and a quartet of more upscale models that rode on the Super 8’s or 12’s 134-inch- or 139-inch-wheelbase underpinnings. The Packard Super 8 models drew 135 horsepower power from a 320ci straight-8 while the 12s moved their hell-heeled occupants with the 175 horsepower of a 473ci V-12. There’s no specs section in the brochure for the Packard 8, but other promotional materials show that regular 8s had a 282ci I-8 that produced 120 horsepower.
As the names show, Packard worked with New York-based coachbuilders Rollston and Brunn. The most visually interesting Packard 8 custom is the Packard-Rollston All-Weather Panel Brougham. Packard called it “ultra-formal,” which makes sense because it looks so stiff and upright.
But that roof line also makes the car look severe and almost funereal. Sure, the five people who could ride in the back would be comfortable, but it’s hard to picture any of them smiling.
With its rounder roof line and additional windows, the Packard-Rollston All-Weather Town Car seems much airier and more pleasant.
As you might expect, the pricier Super 8 and 12 cars had the cooler, more luxe body styles. The Packard-Brunn Touring Cabriolet stands out for three reasons. Here’s two: the angled pair of windows at the front of the roof that gave front-row passengers even more of an outward view.
And the third: the rear section that could be folded down to give those riding in the back a chance to enjoy the weather while their chauffeur took them to their estate.
There was also a Packard-Brunn All-Weather Cabriolet. Like the Touring Carbiolet above, its roof had a folding rear portion for open-air enjoyment, but it also had a removable top that fit over the chauffeur in the front row.
Rear passengers could indulge in the comfort of outboard armrests, footrests, and deep-pile carpeting. If they wanted to share the wealth, they could fit another person on the folding opera-style seat.