1939 Packard Custom

Answered a Marketplace ad for a brand new radiator perfect size and hose configuration for the Packard and less than half price…. and I ask where it’s located and it turns out two doors up from the workshop. I see the Volvo convertible and ask if it’s available…. and I got given it.

The theme I’ve chosen for the Cadillac build and the Packard build are similar. To emulate a special,factory,custom Dreamcar that may have been built to showcase each manufacturer’s standing in the marketplace and I imagine, shown at the 39 Worlds Fair.

By 39 Packard had perhaps lost it’s edge to the might of GM and had clamoured to add the Hollywood Darrins to add a bit of pizzazz to the showroom floors (as demanded by the dealers).

I tried to find a name for the Cadillac like Harley did with the Yjob and LeSabre and  Foose did with his Madam X . (A reuse of the fabled early 30s V16s). I thought Hollywood and Vine. (Cos I have the original 30s signs)and cos WC Fields used to park his 38 v16 limo there always …. but that ain’t Cadillac. So it’s still nameless.

This week I was looking on eBay and found a 1940 Packard Fleur de Lis  badge listed. I’d never heard of such a thing so I texted the seller. He tells me that it was a very rarely taken up option used on the trunk instead of the Packard crest.

I thought that was amazing considering only a few weeks ago when Rik and I were playing around with stying possibilities I wanted  to emulate the little Packard trademark hood dip, on the rear quarter trim. Tony accurately called it the “fountain pen nib”….. I thought it had a bit of a swoosh like “fleur de lis” cos I didn’t know what to call it.

But I didn’t remember even where my memory of Fleur de lis came from. Until I googled it and up came LAConfidential.

I saw it 20 years ago. Loved it. Even a 53 Eldo in the opening scene.

Anyhow…… Pierce Patchett runs a high class prostitution ring named “ Fleur de Lis “ “whatever you desire”. Pierce lives in Richard Neutra’s Lovell House …. and has a custom Packard!!!

Its perfect !! I’m calling it the ”Fountain Pen Nib” ………. errr I mean  “Packard Fleur de Lis”.

Postman arrived today with a package. A Nos pair of ashtrays and a Nos radiator cap. The two ashtrays cost me $15 and the cap was $40…. we won’t talk about the postage! Happy Days!

Spent the last few days repairing a Bentley convertible top that works exactly like the 39 Cadillac top. The tension cables for the inner lining got snagged and bent the hinge cover plate. So I spent two days fixing it and got it working perfectly. Best part is it showed me how to make the hinge flaps for the Cadillac which has been bugging me for a long time.