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

West, it's not listed in the accessory catalog.

And although Packard did a lot of things that seem confounding, it would really surprise me if they were to consider a badge identifying their premium product as something optional.

Dave (O_D), thanks for the picture of the 39 Twelve. You cannot fail to be impressed by it. It is more a mountain then a car.

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Yes, it is surprising but take a look at the today's practice. Depending on the model and country of sale the "Mercedes-Benz" badge is optional and sometimes not even available. For example, on the US E-Class, the "Sport" package deletes the upright "tristar" hood ornament, whereas the "Luxury" package has one by default. Some models such as the AMG-GT are not available with the tristar.
For whatever reasons some customers like to hide the engine configuration or other features and Mercedes leaves it to their choice wether to use e.g. the "4matic" lettering or not. If you order a Mercedes Maybach Pullman with code "XW5" it comes without "Maybach" lettering at the tail end.

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I guess my comment was supposed to mean that it probably wasn't standard equipment, as opposed to what I said: "must be an accessory." It's not unusual that Packard didn't have ALL their accessories, or available equipment in the accessory catalog. For instance, the artillery wheels are not found in the accessory catalog through 1942, yet they were available.

Hi,
This will be a great project. I own a 37 Packard Formal 12 that I am restoring slowly. We will need to connect to exchange restoration information
I want to show you how you can determine the VIN number with 90% certainty. It is hidden from view, but found in a few places besides the VIN Plate (sticker?) on the firewall.
Because you have most of the original upholstery, hopefully it will reveal your answer. When Packard made the senior cars, they had parts made for them throughout the factory and by others. Because they didn't make many formals, they made very few of the parts. When they made the part, they wrote on the back the following. The body number first and then the vin number. Sometimes they would write the body number first and later the vin number. In your case, it would be 320xx. In your and my formal, 32 was for 1032 body number. The last three would be the VIN number without starting at 200.
These numbers were written on the back of seats, door kick panels and door panels. Here are two examples. Let us know what you find.
Craig

Hope this loads the pics.

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Hi found this number colin

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Success. We have solved the mystery. You will see more panels with this number as you expose them. So now you know your vin number. I believe that all vin numbers in 38 and 39 added 200 to the start. The roster keeps can confirm. Also in 37, all 1 numbers were stamped on the Patent Plate with I. So if both are correct, your patent plate would read

I032-219

Send me a PM and we will trade restoration problems and solutions.

Starting production sequence numbers, from The Packard Club. You might want to keep a copy handy for future reference.

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Thank you for the information on the numbering system.
That will help Colin.