1941 was a busy year for Packard for a multiplicity of reasons. First, construction had begun on a new high-volume factory to build Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engines, while other company facilities were busy tooling up for the new Clipper series introduced mid-year. Further preparations for myriad other new war production projects were being made… and all the above was taking place while civilian car orders were also streaming in.

It is quite remarkable to note how Packard managed to make substantial styling and catalog changes for the 1941 model year during this seemingly hectic time on the cusp of World War II.

The 1941 Packards had a number of new design features, principally headlights faired into the front fenders, a dramatic new grille treatment with dummy grilles set below the front fender catwalks, and 15-inch wheels that lowered the cars—thereby leading to the elimination of running boards (at least, as a standard feature). Though the 12-cylinder powertrains were nixed after 1939, the marque continued to soldier on with their 356-cubic-inch straight-eight, and buyers were better-off for it; the straight eights were at least as powerful and significantly more reliable than the vaunted V-12.

This stately Custom Super Eight One Eighty Sedan was completed on 16 March 1941 and originally sold new by Packard Louisville Motor Co., Kentucky. Documentation submitted by the consignor shows that this handsome Packard traded hands between several sequential Kentucky residents over the following fifty years, until 1998, when it was acquired by a collector from Boone, North Carolina. At some point during previous ownership, the car was clearly treated to a high-quality restoration, which it still wears today. Interestingly, it retains its very rare and supremely desirable factory-installed air conditioning, which is certainly a welcome specification for warm weather touring. Additional noted cabin features include power windows, push-button Philco radio, and dash clock.

This Packard’s period-correct exterior visage is complimented by its handsome two-tone color scheme and presentable chrome-trimmed brightwork, most notably, its front and rear bumper guards. Further jewelry includes a set of dual side mirrors and the elegant Cormorant hood ornament. The car’s wide whitewall tires house a set of factory chrome hubcaps, which are especially attractive thanks to their colored detailing which matches the roof.

As a CCCA Full Classic, this 1941 Packard is certainly eligible for a great variety of esteemed concours, tours, and all other manner of vintage car events. It is now accompanied by manuals, a spare wheel, jack, Kolpak refrigerant charging manifold, collection of spare components, and maintenance records.