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

In the last few days I run into 2 Packards by Rollson. 1 is a 1938 that is build from a Packard eight, which is kind of different to custom build a junior Packard, but import tarrifs might of drove them to do that.
hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/packard/unspecified/1688408.html

The other 1 is a 39 super eight but the story almost sounds to good to be true, but nothing is impossible of course:
vintagemotorclassics.com/1939_packard_super8_woody.htm

Besides Rollson, Derham did a fair number of customs or semi-customs on the junior chassis; most were for export where the smaller more nimble chassis was desireable, not to mention import tax advantages. Generally these can achieve Full Classic status from CCCA upon individual application.

The 1939 Rollson is indeed interesting, a true one-off I suppose. I shudder at the thought that someone would be foolish enough to chop it up into a woody but then again the hobby has folks who have no interest in the history of these cars.

The Packard coupe with the rear of the body in unfinished aluminum was on the Chocolate Field at Hershey about 6 years ago. It is now owned by a Packard collector in Illinois and will be kept original.

Hi

Those late years Rollston/Rollson seemed to be around producing design contradictions on order. Either they were reactionary styles such as the formal coupe and panel broughams recalling earlier design ethics or they were sleek, "Darrin-esque" streamlined sport sedans and convertible victorias.

Well, when serving wealth's automotive design whims, one does what one is paid to do!

Steve