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My 85 year old father asked me if I wanted this car. He said he doesn't think he'll get around to restoring it. He already has a '38 and '41 on the road (same models as this) as well as another half dozen Ford Ts, As, etc.

Sold in Burlington, VT on Dec. 14, 1939. Story says it was laid on its right side in 1941. Not driven since. Car has 10,390 miles and appears to have been stored indoors the majority of its life. He has collected all straight sheetmetal (doors, fenders) for the right side. I'll bump out the quarter panel. It won't be perfect but close enough for the doors to work.

I plan to do enough work to return it to safe highway use. Cosmetics are unimportant. As long as I bolt it back into one piece I believe that the value will be sufficiently enhanced that the car will be a long term survivor.

I have more interesting projects in mind. The next being a hot rod powered by a 359 ci, I8 from a '54 Patrician. 3 spd trans will be from '54 Clipper Deluxe. These cars are outdoor rusting hulks. Body and frame will be home built.

Seems my father has a soft spot for Packard I8 engines. He has seven in cars and another two loose. All but two are 9 main bearing engines.

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Quote:G'day John,
to PackardInfo and for including your '39 Super Eight Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry. Your Packard I8 powered hot rod sounds interesting, please tell us more.

I made some progress before Christmas. Cut, straightened, and rewelded the right side center door pillar. Got the front passenger door mounted. Still jacking the rear door hinge post.

Work has slowed to a crawl since I herniated (I wish I was kidding) myself moving the car into the work bay in the garage. I'm used to moving cars in the 1300 lb range vs. this monster.

My previous car build is shown below. It's an Ariel Atom replica built from photographs. 1260 lbs, street registered.

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Thanks for the welcome.

The hot rod is the in the planning stages. I want to get this sedan together first. This car has no rust through. I will do minimal painting to cover the surface rust. Once this car is running, I'll decide if I will keep it or sell it to a good home who will complete restoration.

I'm studying and taking notes on the hot rod and speedster build logs here and elsewhere (supercharged Packard I8 in Hot Rod magazine).

Welcome Jon,

It is good to see more 39 Super 8's coming out. I am surprised at how many have shown up in recent times. Yours looks like it will make a wonderful car. We have had ours for three years, and reliably on the road for two. It is a pleasant well-mannered car. The engines are a bit more cantankerous than the juniors and 40 or latter seniors, but work well if sorted out and properly maintained. These cars work very well with the optional overdrive.

Looks like you are making great progress. Hang in there!
Jim

Quote:Jon,
for now including the '38 Eight 4 Door Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry.

Interesting delivery date on your 1939. The 1940 models had already been out for at least two moths by that time.