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

I would appreciate someone advising the proper color(s) for 1938 Super 8 and 1939 Super 8 engines. Are they the same? What is the best source for purchasing the paint? Thanks.

Best source for paints would be any of the major Packard vendors who may all sell from the same paint source, Bill Hirsch, Kanter Auto Parts, and Max Merritt. I think though it costs a bit more you're better off buying from these vendors though if you're willing to play around with tinting paints, you can save some $. Bell-Telephone green is close to what Packard used, and even that varied a bit over the years.

As to engine color, the 38 Super 8 should be Packard engine green, same as they used for decades, back as early as 1915. There is some dispute on the 1939 Super with some sources saying dark gray but the CCCA and some other "authorities" saying it should be green. Green is the safer choice; you may get some conjecture at PI judging venues though I believe they now accept either as correct for 1939. PI folks will have the latest on this. Gray (Crane Gray) in the 30s was the color of Packard's factory-reconditioned blocks for the 320 and 385 engines and this may (or may not) be the source for the lack of agreement.

Thank you.

My 39 V12 is gray.is that 1 of the exceptions for 39?

The 39 Twelve is the other case where there is some controversy; Packards International's judging guide says gray but other judging venues like CCCA say green (unless CCCA has recently changed their mind on this).