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

Looking to identify my convertible sedan from 1937...
Chassis and front body, 6 cylinder, all would identify as a 115c convertible.
.
It has 2 rows os seats though.
I’m aware Graber used to convert the convertble coupe 115 into a sedan. This one looks quite different. I guess this is a one of a kind transformation done in a barn, though the finish and quality of the work is superb.´

Any ideas where to find info?

I’d be quite grateful...

Regards,

Karel (Belgium)

Isn't that a Victoria? I don't see any reference to such a car in the 1937 Packard salesman's book. A convertible Victoria was offered in the Super Eight line, but I see no reference to such a car in the 110 or 120 lines. You probably have a custom bodied car, whether factory or outside supplied, or perhaps a special export model.

It's a convertible victoria and not a factory offering. I suggest you look carefully for coachbuilder's identification, often found on the lower edge of the cowl, or on doorsills, sometimes underneath carpets, etc. Creating these convertible victorias on the junior series Packards was especially popular with European coachbuilders. If it still carries the original vehicle number, the first 4 digits should tell you what the original factory vehicle was, I'd guess at a 1084 5-passenger touring coupe.

G'day KarelS,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '37 Packard Convertible in PackardInfo's Packard Vehicle Registry.

This car is definitely a custom body job, most likely by a European coach builder. The only factory convertible offering from Packard in 1937 on the 115C chassis was the two seat Convertible Coupe. There was a four door Convertible Sedan available only on the 120 chassis along with a two seat 120 Convertible Coupe. But no Victoria on either Junior chassis.

They was a proposed 115 Convertible Sedan and it mistakenly shows up in the Parts Manual as body number 1087, but none were made.

But from the firewall back it is all the same sheetmetal on '37 115/120s, as the difference in length is front sheetmetal.

So given that, someone "could" take a 120 Convertible sedan body and drop it on a 115 frame with the 115 front sheetmetal and trim and voila, a 115 convertible sedan (1087).

Thank you all for the useful information!

I suppose this indeed is a one-of transformation. Found this on the fireboard:

Some more pics before the restauration. I expect her coming back from the workshop back tomorrow...

Karel,

In addition to the observations from others previously, a few notes about what equipment the custom builder included that was not standard for the 6 cylinder models:

1) Junior trunk rack (standard for 115); however, the wooden trim pieces are not standard: these may have been made originally, or they replaced the chromed pot metal originals (which corrode and are difficult to find, especially in Europe) sometime over the last 60 years as replacements...very nice, so my guess is original custom trim.

2) Tail light "center jewel" lenses/trim are the Super8/Twelve Senior style...nice touch...indicates the builder was trying to create a senior "look" on the 115 core vehicle

3) Super8 specialty Goddess of Speed hood mascot indicates an upgrade, once again, from the Standard 115 mascots

4) The backup lights are unfamiliar...likely an aftermarket add-on, non-Packard, that someone could find locally...probably weren't on the original custom bodied car...they look post-war in style