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

What, when, and who indeed! Until I can see some sort of authenticating documentation I'm going to continue to believe it's a decently crafted mongrel.

Hi

We analyzed that "LeBaron" a while ago, though I can't find the thread just now. To reiterate:

That's an attractive 'bitsa', though LeBaron, in its original custom coachbuilder form, rolls over in its grave every time it get 'credited' with one of these.

The body and hood are from the four passenger Sport Model 224 from First through Third Series Sixes and Model 246 as First and Second Series Eights. The factory body was lower and narrower, close-coupled, have rear doors hinged at the front. It would be more desirable mounted on its original chassis as those Sport Models are very rare.

The headlights are '31-'32 Chrysler Imperial units, the fenders: rear perhaps 12th-17th clam-shelled to together to make pontoons, the front maybe 12th-15th Series around the wheelhouse severely bobbed. Radiator shell looks to be 9th-10th Series severely chopped to fit the hood height. How they came up with the face trim is someone else's guess.

As desirable as a '30 745 chassis is and have been frequently re-bodied, this version might well come in for that given the rare, desirable body it has for an earlier Eight restoration.

Steve