The Car: 1931 Packard Model 845 Seven-Passenger Convertible Sedan ; Classic Era charisma.(Fort Lauderdale Antique Automobile Museum )(Brief Article)

In 1931 Packard was by far the best-selling luxury automobile in the United States and in great demand throughout the world. The Depression was just beginning and luxury-car makers were still offering a great variety of body styles, including coachbuilder-designed bodies built in small lots of 10, 25 or 50 cars. The exclusivity of these ``series custom'' cars encouraged orders from top-of-the-line customers. While convertible sedans were fairly common body styles, they were always among the most expensive models. The combination of these factors makes this Packard something special. Only six seven-passenger convertible sedans designed by legendary coachbuilder Ray Dietrich were built in 1931; this is the only one known to survive.

``It comes right at you,'' explains Fort Lauderdale Antique Automobile Museum curator Russ Gagliano. A striking silver and maroon paint scheme emphasizes this handsome convertible sedan's long 145.5-inch-wheelbase chassis. The car was ordered with extra chrome, details such as lug nuts and fuel lines are plated in addition to the expected brightwork. A pair of Pilot Ray lights almost the size of headlights are set above the bumper; they turn with the front wheels. A chromed mesh stone guard (a $27.50 option) covers the radiator shell. Parking lights atop the fenders match headlights shaped in the likeness of the Packard radiator grille. The rear quarter of the convertible top fits with a series of curves and lines, each with a contrasting leather border, disguising the long body needed to hold seven passengers. A wood-faced dash (with just a few chrome-edged instruments) and windowsills mix with pleated red leather seats and a big black three-spoke steering wheel. The gearshift is on the floor, a thin curved column of chrome with a black knob at the top. A passenger closes the door by grabbing woodwork, rather than a metal knob, at the base of the window. The car originally listed for $5,182.