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

Quote:
Jeremy.

A couple of thoughts on sourcing pic's of the 1934 auto show in Pittsburg's Motor Square Garden. These being the archives of the Pittsburgh newspapers of the time, and likewise the records and documents of Pittsburg's libraries and museums. Don't know if these are now on-line or if it means sitting down and sifting through old paper records but they are probably the most likely and accessible sources of what you're after.

Here is my take on this rig.

Given that Ed Blend lived around Pittsburgh if there was any information more than a single picture he would have found it. My guess is that the car was an individual custom done locally. That is, the Lebaron fenders and running boards were ordered via the parts book and the conversion made by a local shop. The car may have been loaned by the dealer for the display or put there as part of the dealer's own display. If this car was a Packard factory job it would have been shown in more than one place, and there would have been a studio picture.

I saw another oddball like this years ago. It was an individual custom 180 Club Sedan chopped to look like a Cadillac 60 Special. It even had 60 Special doors on it. That car was a Rollson job.

Ed saw the car in person in Pittsburg in '34. It is a documented car. Chassis # 1108-65. Also, it could have been shown in west coast shows too, later in '34.

Jim Pearsall had nothing useful in terms of info or pictures? I'll be glad to make contact with him if you're reluctant. There probably is not better historian alive today of that era of Packard, and he's an avid collector of of-the-era photos of Packards.

I'm honestly not familiar with Jim, I'll have to ask Dale if he knows him.

I do appreciate everyone's help and leads. I think I'll make a trip to Pittsburg, too.

OK, I sent Mr. Pearsall in inquiry by email this morning. We'll see if he has any information that might help you.

PS - I did make contact with Mr. Pearsall who like others is vaguely aware of the vehicle but has no specific information to provide. Guess you'll have to keep digging and sorry I wasn't able to help.

Much obliged! I'll have to ask my dad at brunch today if he knows him. Dad seems to know everyone.

Let me put two more cents in here and go away.

The reference to the car on page 435 of the Packard Book is too vague. It warrants a red pencil note of "please be more specific".

Another thing that bugs me is the missing fender skirt emblem in what seems to be the only period picture of the car. If this job was done in Detroit, I would think that the emblem would be there. If it was a parts list play, they may have overlooked the emblems.

Sometimes cars like this show up for which there isn't any information. Especially around New York and Philly. Sometimes they were side jobs.

Edit: I talked to Dale, he said the fenders are identical to those on a LeBaron dual-cowl phaeton. They are hand made, however, so they could be made either by Packard or by LeBaron. He thinks it was quickly devised before the show as something new and different.

Regardless, I appreciate everyone's insight. I'll go a lookin' for some photos. Thanks again!

These are not LeBaron fenders, instead were one-offs made by Packard

I thought this body was attributed to Dietrich, not Packard. The fact that the vehicle number is a chassis number plus a sequence#, 1108-XX, says Packard sold a naked or nearly naked chassis and was not involved in the coachwork. Or am I missing something here?