Argentinean dealer and broker Hector Mendizabal acquired this fascinating custom Packard from a pig farm near Mendoza State in 1976, garaged on behalf of Samuel Sherman, a New York collector who had purchased it but was unable to secure an export license. Photographs show the car as it left the garage, intact, original, and very much in the same appearance as which it is shown today. Mendizabal acquired the car and sold it to Herman Zalud of North Platte, Nebraska, after which it moved to the U.S. and was resold to William St. Clair of Texas, who had it cosmetically restored.

Mr. St. Clair corresponded with the widow of Enos Derham of the Derham Body Company, who recalled three automobiles being built by the famous Pennsylvania coachbuilder to this design, of which one was delivered to Canada, another to a Middle Eastern nation, and a third to the Government of Argentina. The latter would have been ordered by either President Roberto Mario Ortiz or Vice-President Ramón S. Castillo, and was further prepared for Presidential use by Araun Goia Cia, a local Buenos Aires coachbuilder. It was more famously used later by Juan and Eva “Evita” Peron for various parades, including Evita’s last public appearance in Buenos Aires in 1952.

The consignor acquired the car via James Leake in 1983 and set about fully restoring it from the frame up to authentic condition, including Armourplate glass in the rear “wind wings,” after which it continued to be regularly shown in CCCA and Packard Club competition. It was prominently the subject of a cover feature in the Spring 2004 issue of The Packard Cormorant, discussing the car and the history that the consignor had been able to compile with the assistance of Mr. Mendizabal.

Boasting fascinating history and the distinction of special Derham coachwork, this Packard looks positively regal – as it should! It would undoubtedly be the center of attention in any grand Packard collection.