From the stylish heights of the 1930s, the American custom coachbuilding industry was beginning to fade from existence by the early 1940s. American luxury automakers were slowly discontinuing top-of-the-line factory-cataloged semi-customs, which had been so prominently featured for well over a decade. Packard was among the last to offer bodies by coachbuilders Rollson and LeBaron, with the latter being a division of Briggs by 1941. But it still produced beautifully appointed and largely hand-built bodies in limited numbers for the most select clients.

Most of LeBaron’s final Packard offerings were formal limousines, intended to be driven by a chauffeur. The impressive example offered here is the second of just 51 19th Series limousines built by LeBaron. Although documentation does not exist to confirm the claim, former owner and Packard afficionado Dr. Charles Blackman believed this Packard to have been delivered to the White House during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and used in an official capacity during both the Roosevelt and Truman presidencies. Dr. Blackman also believed that it was later used in the fleet of vehicles maintained for the use of the governor of New York and reportedly spent time in a museum before finding its way into his private collection.

This impressive and stately automobile underwent a cosmetic restoration some time ago. It is fitted with red emergency driving lights, fender-mounted flag holders, and the iconic Seal of the President of the United States on the rear doors. Powered by Packard’s legendary 356 cubic-inch, 160-horsepower, straight-eight engine backed by a three-speed manual transmission, the car has impressive mobility and seemingly unlimited torque, something that is quite welcome when motoring in such an impressively large, well-constructed automobile. With independent front suspension and four-wheel hydraulic brakes, it is surprisingly capable on the road, despite the lengthy 148-inch wheelbase.

Fitted with leather upholstery in the front and wool broadcloth in the rear, this is one of the rarest Packards of the late prewar period. With its older cosmetic restoration, it presents as an inviting project to fully rejuvenate. Considering the exclusivity of its impressive LeBaron coachwork, this One-Eighty Super Eight Custom Touring Limo is fully deserving of inclusion in any fine prewar collection. It will be sure to draw attention wherever it travels and, with appropriate preparation, would certainly make an ideal entrant in concours or Packard Club events.