Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I have been told that the French Blue colour with vermillion red wheels is color code 'Z' for 1939. I now see from this site info that the 1940 option was 'S'. My VIN plate shows manufacture date a nov 8, 1939. However registration was 1940. So my question is which color option letter would be the correct one ? Thanks

the new models generally came out late in the preceding year. But in this case it's easier - The 17th and 18th series cars look different. Does your car have a center grille only like a 1938, or a narrower center grille and two side "catwalk" grilles?

Definitely a '40, this one.

I'm only guessing that you got those codes from the site's Paint X-ref; it shows French Blue as code S, which appears to be in error. I believe French Blue is Code Z in both 1940 and 1939; Niagra Gray, which is missing from the list for 1940, is Code.

As for what year, the patent plate should show a vehicle/serial number that would reveal the Series, which can be translated into a model year. However, your Registry listing (to which Mal pointed the way) shows body number 1395, which is a One-Twenty Club Coupe from the 18th Series - the 1940 model year.

Thanks.

Yes , that was my source for the color codes.