Finding original parts for a car produced in the late 1930s is sometimes more difficult than getting the car to run once you’ve found them. But for those who can’t invest inordinate amounts of time hunting down parts but still want antique cars may do well with Packards, said Charles Gillet of Baltimore.
For a marquee whose last production car rolled off the assembly floor in 1958, Packard has maintained an exceptionally strong community of devotees that has weathered the years to create an antiques market unrivaled in parts acquisition among out-of-production marquees. Gillet, who worked as an editor for Road & Track magazine in the mid-1950s, owns three Packards. Arguably, the jewel is his 1934 lime green Packard convertible coupe roadster.
Gillet bought the car from a member of the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) back in the early 1990s for $75,000. After the car underwent a year’s worth of restoration at Al Pruitt & Sons, Glen Rock, Pa., Gillet estimates the car’s value at close to the $300,000 mark.
To appreciate a car of this caliber is to understand its raison d’etre. Gillet purchased this Packard with the intention of creating a 100-point show vehicle. The 100-point system used by the CCCA rates cars by a system of deduction. When Gillet shows the car on a national stage, he said it keeps the 100 points because imperfections can’t be found.
The ’34 maintains its appeal because of Gillet’s meticulous eye and the uniqueness of the year model. Pruitt & Sons took the entire car apart.
One by one, parts were replaced or refurbished based upon condition and need. The number of pleats on the interior upholstery is consistent with the original count. Alcohol kept in a small container is still used to open the spring-loaded louvers in the front grille to prevent overheating because its vapor expanded easily. A working Bijur lubrication system automatically oils all vital parts with the turn of the ignition, while distinct features like a rumble seat and a side compartment for golf clubs don’t look a day over 74. The engine was completely rebuilt to maintain the standard straight 8, which was offered on the base model.
Because there was no standard color choice for the ’34, even the lime green paint on Gillet’s Packard is acceptable. During the Depression, Packard fell on hard times. To boost sales, the company offered a unique gimmick: Send in your wife’s scarf and they would color match the vehicle to the fabric.
“We didn’t match anybody’s scarf, but we liked the two-tone green,” said Gillet of the car’s color.
For a car this age, there have been surprisingly little challenges to make it run like new.
“We’ve had to go back and forth a couple times. The water pump would leak a little,” said Gillet. “By and large, it runs beautifully.”
The final touch on any Packard is the hood ornament which ranged from understated to ostentatious. As a number of these were offered on the ’34, Gillet decided against a Cormorant, a chrome cap, and an epicene nymph with toes pointing over the hood, and went with the famous Goddess of Speed figurine, a winged female who holds out her hands in praise of the wheel that goes before her.
“This particular car looked best with the goddess,” said Gillet.
What do you drive?
A 1934 Packard convertible coupe roadster.
Why do you drive it?
It’s enjoyable to drive. It just handles on the road so well. It has a smart look about it. People give you a honk as you go by. I’m crazy about the car.
What makes this car so special?
You have to look at the surrounding years to appreciate this. The shape of the grille has a slight V in it — the balance of the hood length with the top and rear end — it all just has a look about it that says this is right. All Packards had nice proportions but somehow the ’34s met the eye with pleasure.
What is your most memorable driving experience?
I can’t say I’ve had a memorable experience. I’ve always been careful to avoid experiences (laughs). Once it almost got caught in the rain and I had to drive rather vigorously back to the garage. It’s never been rained on. Once the canvas gets soaked, it never looks quite the same as brand new.
What was the first car you owned?
A ’46 Chevrolet convertible. The first classic I had was a ’53 Bentley. I still drive that and I still show it. It’s the only one in my collection that I feel at ease on the freeway.
What is currently in your CD player?
Not in this car. The music is the sound of the engine and the sound of the wind. I don’t need other entertainment.
And your first ticket? What was it for?
I’ve never had a ticket.
