This 1940 Packard Formal Sedan "Open Front" Town Car Limousine with the rare Body by Rollson is an outstanding piece of automotive history. It is being sold as part of the estate of our good friend and lifelong Automobile Enthusiast, Collector and Historian who recently passed at 98 years of age. The images and videos were taken in its present state of excellent running condition and without the cosmetic benefits of detailing or prep work. This specific model, being in remarkable original unrestored condition, at almost 85 years of age, with just 46,572 miles on the odometer, carries a sense of timelessness and elegance.
The "Open Front" design, featuring a soft top over the chauffeur's seating area and a divider window, embodies classic luxury and sophistication. This car was meticulously crafted by Rollson, known for their exceptional custom coachwork. Rollson designed and built bodies almost exclusively on the Packard chassis, producing just 50 custom Packards between September of 1938 and December of 1941.
Under the hood, it's powered by the original Straight 8 engine, a hallmark of Packard's engineering excellence during that era. The build date of December 25, 1939 (interesting) as stamped on the original data tag, further underscores its vintage authenticity. The vehicle number, 1801 - 2018 (indicating it was the 18th car of the series built to be sent to a coachbuilder) signifies its unique place in Packard's production history. The only other similar known to exist resides in France with an interesting history and was built just one vehicle ahead of this one.
With its stunning design, historical significance, and remarkably preserved state, this Packard Formal Sedan stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and luxury of a bygone era, offering a rare glimpse into automotive artistry of the 1930's and 1940s.
VIN/BODY: 1801-2018