Re: Graber-bodied Packard takes top honors at Greenwich

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2015/6/12 16:27:29

There were quite a few custom body American cars built in Switzerland in the thirties, for an unusual reason.

A hefty import duty was charged on imported cars, I believe it was 30% or thereabouts. But if 40% or more of the car was Swiss made, it was considered a domestic product and no duty was imposed.

This meant the customer could buy a custom built auto for practically the same price as a standard body, and be patriotic into the bargain.

Those who wanted something special, like a convertible in the European style, and who could wait an extra 2 or 3 months for delivery, took advantage of this loophole.