Re: Advice wanted on 1941 Packard 160

Posted by Tim Cole On 2012/9/23 16:22:39

Just a note on this topic.

Initially the CCCA was only going to recognize the premium models - read Custom and Super 8's through 36 and the V-12. However, Kavenagh and Clancy both owned the 320ci models. Clancy also owned a 41 180. Then Turnquist owned a 38 Su8. But in 1952 those were just used cars. However, the broadcloth interior and trim of the Custom 8 180 was a $500 option (which is pretty darn steep). Those power windows notwithstanding.

There were some major classification brawls in the 70's over individual custom cars on junior chassis. As well quite a number of cars were dropped altogether. I guess they thought that letting those cars in would lead to Model A town cars showing up at the CCCA.

It also depended on who was applying. If Nethercutt or Harrah had bothered to apply for a 160 anything you better believe the situation would have been different.

Now some of this may seem contrary to popular myth, but I only found out that Clancy was one of the very earliest members of the CCCA after he died and I never asked him just what was going on in 1952. I have always regretted not asking Charlie about the early days of the CCCA. But the whole time I knew him I had no idea just how important a figure he was. However, he and Kavenagh were both very good friends and supposedly there are personal papers somewhere.