By 1941 most American coachbuilders had given up the ghost amidst changing economic times, but Rollson, the successor to New York’s famed Rollston, soldiered on by building small runs of “semi-custom” bodies for Packard. With both Rollson and Packard suffering the problem of traditional clientele who were still wealthy but a little less so than before, emphasis was made on offering the same hand-built quality but at a somewhat lower cost. Accordingly, the Rollson semi-customs were based upon factory body shells, which Rollson would extensively modify and re-engineer to their own designs. This allowed the cars to be sold for less than “full customs,” yet they still benefitted from traditional hand finishes and beautiful appointments.

Rollson offered two “catalogue custom” bodies on the Packard Custom Super Eight One Eighty chassis in 1941. Both were intended to be driven in the proper manner, by chauffeur, and were outfitted with open driver’s compartments and padded formal roof lines. The most deluxe and expensive was the All-Weather Town Car, which was based on the 148-inch wheelbase 1908 platform and was built by extensively modifying a factory touring limousine body. At a whopping cost of $4,820 each, only three of these cars were produced in 1941, and the car offered here is the only known survivor.

The car’s original vehicle data plate, still present on the firewall, identifies it as having been delivered new to Providence, Rhode Island. It eventually made its way into the ownership of the late John H. Behn, a well-known Packard enthusiast from Trumbull, Connecticut, who had a particular passion for well-preserved original 1941 models. Mr. Behn eventually sold this car to long-time Classic Car Club of America member Robert Skop, from whom it was purchased by its present owner. Mr. Skop had spoken to Dr. Charles Blackman, a well-known roster keeper for Rollson-bodied Packards, who claimed that the original owner had been one Maude Shepard, a Palm Beach resident. In all likelihood, Ms. Shepard had homes in both Palm Beach and Newport, a common situation then and now, which would explain the original delivery being in Providence.

Today, this All-Weather Town Car remains in wonderful original condition and includes most of its Rollson-applied Packard Blue paint and interior. It has never been fully restored, as it has never required such major work. Interestingly, its equipment includes hydraulically operated windows, a feature which was available for Senior Packards for the first time this year, as well as functional overdrive, dual side-mounted spares, the traditional cormorant radiator mascot, and front and rear license plate brackets. The original rear compartment broadcloth upholstery is still soft, lush, and immaculate, and it is surrounded by rich, delicately inlaid woodwork. The odometer records 67,327 miles, which, given the automobile’s well-preserved condition, may well be actual mileage from new.

The current owner, who is very knowledgeable in vintage Packards, has seen to the car’s mechanical rejuvenation. Today, it is described as running and driving perfectly and being ideal for CARavans and other touring events. It is an absolutely splendid survivor.