Re: Packard wins Best of Show at Pebble Beach

Posted by John Harley On 2013/8/19 17:22:33

Friends

There is a short article about the car on the New York Times website today. The Times has started to pay attention to older cars in the last few years, which in itself is a good thing, I think.

As Owen says, "the history of that car is well known" An outline of the history is in the article. Suffice to say it had a very hard life and the restoration defeated other owners before Judge Cassini. So, whatever the aesthetics we are lucky to still have it.

There was tough competition, the first two Model A Duesenbergs sold to the public (also noted in The Times) received restorations at a staggering expense. Their standing hasn't been mentioned in the press yet. Score a big one for East Grand Avenue. I was pleasantly surprised.

It is my experience that the owners of these cars are often eager to share them with their local club members. They understand they are custodians, not owners

There is an ongoing discussion around these quarters about the kind of car that usually wins. Thirties low production open European, preferably painted black and with chrome wire wheels seem to be favored. The Twelve fits some of these criteria but it is good to see an American chassis with actually some numbers of production win.

The car is local to me and the Judge is a member of my CCCA region. With some luck I will be able to go to the Grand Classic here next spring and see it. If so, I expect some one will post some more pictures of it here for our friends.

Regards


John Harley