PRICE REDUCED $20,000 on May 1st for fast sale!!!

The 1941 Packard Custom 180 LeBaron Limousine (Model 1420) is one of the rarest and most impressive Packards of the later Pre-War period. This example is a combination of original and sympathetic restoration showing a consistent and elegant patina throughout. To this day it wins awards at concours events.

In 1941 Packard offered several semi-custom bodies. The LeBaron Limousine was the most elegant, being offered on the 148 inch wheelbase. What is incredible is the sheer size of the motorcar. The design is so well executed that the sheer size of the limousine eludes your first glance.

History of this LeBaron
The original owner was Mary L. Griggs, the wife of Theodore W. Griggs, then President of Griggs Cooper and Co. a St. Paul, Minnesota food and manufacturing firm. Mrs. Griggs was a founder of the Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. Their estate is called the Burbank Livingston Griggs House on Summit Ave. and is open to the public.

The Packard was beautifully professionally restored in the late 1960’s. It was then awarded its Senior Award badge, No. 0831, at the Annual Meeting of the Classic Car Club of America. The condition of the car today is much the same as when it was awarded the Senior Award.

The present owners of the Packard showed it at the 2008 La Jolla Motor Car Classic and was an award recipient. In addition, it was honored to be included in the Packard’s International Circle of Champions during the 2010 Packard Grand Salon held at the Rancho Bernardo Winery in CA.

Condition of the Motorcar
The Packard’s livery is painted in Laguna Maroon metallic. The paint is lustrous and looks wonderful on the car. There are several areas where cracking has developed, but overall it has a very consistent patina (we have highlighted these areas in numerous photos in the photo gallery). These are mainly in the areas where the body was welded together. The coachbuilders used lead instead of body fillers and the lead over several decades causes the cracking. There are a couple of small areas where the paint is wearing thin. These are only noticeable upon close inspection.

The chrome, wheel covers and stainless steel trim are in gorgeous condition and are likely original. This would make sense as the Limousine was chauffer driven and maintained until it was deemed an important classic, at which time it was a show and touring car with the Classic Car Club of America.

The interior is a wonderful blend of gorgeous tan wool broadcloth, a variety of elegant highly polished wood trim and Wilton wool carpeting. The rear seats, headliner and door panels are original. The two jump seats are as new and the rear seat passenger has a buzzer to communicate with the chauffer. The driver’s compartment is trimmed in black leather.

The luggage compartment still has the original horsehair and is in excellent condition. The dashboard woodgraining is as new and all of the trim and chrome on the dashboard and steering wheel are in beautiful condition.

As one would expect from the most expensive model available, this LeBaron limousine has most options that were available in 1941. The windows and division window are hydraulic, it has the in-dash radio, driver’s side spotlight, dual front driving lights, accessory bumper guards in the front and rear and dual sidemounts.

In 2008, we personally prepared the LeBaron for 1,500 mile Classic Car Club CARavan’s. The scope of the restoration work included rebuilding the front end, new Diamondback wide white wall radial tires, completely detailing and painting the undercarriage, complete detail of the engine compartment and rebuilding various components such as the complete hydraulics for the windows, brakes, carburetor, generator, starter, etc. We also completely lined the interior flooring with heat reflective foil insulation to make the Packard more comfortable for touring in more temperate climates.

At the heart of this great Packard is its drivetrain. The fabulous nine main bearing 356 cu in straight-eight engine is a legend in motoring history. Delivering 165 BHP and nearly unlimited torque, it delivers smooth and powerful driving that is completely dependable. You will not find a smoother starting or running 356 cu in Packard. It is quieter than any other we’ve heard, just as one would expect from a Packard senior eight. Also added to the Packard is an electronically activated Gear Vendors over-drive which makes long distance highway touring comfortable and safe for the motorcar.

There are only six LeBaron limousines known extant making this one of the rarest models of Packard. This would be a wonderful addition to any collection and a fabulous opportunity to acquire a car for either touring or show.

For more information please contact Harry Clark at 602.245.7200 or email us at harry@classicpromenade.com.