Paradise for the Pavement.(Escape Roads)(Column)

Byline: BROOKS BRIERLEY

Specifications of Classic Era town cars could be humbled a bit when adapted for city traffic, using smaller engines and limiting chassis length for ease of parking. That approach, however, conflicted with the desire to demonstrate the owner was in the money. This extravagant all-weather cabriolet, set on Packard's long, 139-inch-wheelbase chassis and powered by a V12 engine, is a perfect example of a town car made for show. When a new Willys could be bought for less than $500 in 1939, our featured car cost $8,355.

This cabriolet was fully staffed by two-a chauffeur and a footman. Both sat in the front seat, displayed in the open. The all-weather feature, fitting a framed fabric top over the front seat, allowed them to be comfortable in inclement weather. Roll-up windows, artfully covered by hinged strips of chrome when inside the door, completed the transition.

Brunn & Co., a Buffalo, New York, coachbuilder known for formal body styles, built this cabriolet body. It is a series custom-a design made in small lots of 10 or 20 bodies, then finished and trimmed as orders came in from chassis manufacturers. This is the only 1939 cabriolet completed for Packard, and its color is special, "Brunn Ruby.'' The radiator shutters were alternately painted and chromed, indicating the V12 powerplant.

Packard's California distributor, Earl C. Anthony, took delivery of the cabriolet in August 1939. Two years ago Arthur Stone saw an advertisement for the car-it was still in California-and bought it for his Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. "It was in such great condition,'' Stone recalls. Recently, as Stone drove the car through downtown Fort Lauderdale, a former owner saw it and followed him all the way back to the museum to introduce himself.

Driver amenities include a comfortable seat upholstered in black leather and facing a thin black steering wheel with the Packard crest in the center. 1939 was the ...