Series 1004. 150 hp 327 cu in side valve inline eight, three-speed manual transmission, solid front and rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 142"

• 2011 AACA First Senior Award winner

• Multiple concours wins

• Painstaking attention to detail and accuracy

This 1933 Packard style 659 convertible coupe, more commonly called a “coupe roadster,” is the 98th such example built. Chassis 750980 was delivered new by Packard distributor Robert B. Parker, of Philadelphia, on August 17, 1933. It was purchased from Don Hanson, of Rochester, Minnesota, in mid-1991, as a partially disassembled, mostly original project. Body panels were stripped and repaired where needed and even re-leaded in the appropriate places. The unique single-stage Opal finish by PPG has the pleasing characteristic of appearing white in direct light and grey in the dark. A red pinstripe adorns the panels, and the chassis is finished in a complementing, durable, red, acrylic enamel also by PPG. A few missing parts, like the rare rumble seat light and toggle switch, were replaced by originals. The interior was refinished in red leather and includes finish details like the fold-out rumble seat arm pads and leather upholstery on the golf bag door. Noted West Coast specialist Craig Clemins restored the wood grained trim.

Great pains were taken to ensure the proper fit of the top bows and black cloth top, and the same attention was given to the fit and proper operation of the doors and window mechanisms. The gauge fascia and instruments were restored to perfection by Don Sears on the east coast. Engine work included hand filing to smooth the cylinder head, followed by two rounds of blocking, primer, painting, and buffing. The crankcase is finished with an aluminum paint that achieves an authentic factory appearance. Similar attention was given to the porcelain manifolds and the crackle finish on the starter and distributor. Superlative accuracy was ensured by the reference of an untouched original 1934 coupe roadster, which was stored alongside this example throughout the process.

This Packard is accented by chromed wire wheels shod in whitewall tires, Pilot-Ray fog lights, a “Daphne at the Well” radiator mascot, dual side-mounted spares with full metal covers, Packard Twelve bumpers, and Solar vee’d headlamps. Restoration efforts were concluded in early-2008, and the quality is acknowledged by many important accolades. An AACA First Junior was achieved at San Diego in 2008, followed by a First Senior at Santa Rosa in 2011. Other awards include a First in Class at the 2008 Palo Alto Concours, a Best of Show at the 2008 Niello Concours, and a First in Class at the 2009 Hillsboro Concours.

Only 25 outstanding restorations are awarded the annual Joseph Parkin Award and 750980 was among the 2009 recipients. An unabashed trailer queen, she has covered only 300 miles since restoration and is reported to run and drive exceptionally well with ancillary maintenance performed as-needed, which has included a recent rebuilding of the starter and steering box. The balanced, classic lines afforded by the 142-inch Packard chassis are arguably among the finest of any Depression-era automobile. The fit and finish of every piece of this Packard is nothing short of authentic and superlative; this is easily one of the most outstanding examples currently available.