1931 Packard 840 Five-Passenger Phaeton, Eighth Series
- Colour
- Maroon
A 1931 Packard 840 five-passenger phaeton from the Eighth Series, originally sold through a Chicago dealership. Restored to a high standard by noted restorer Bob Mosier for California owner Bob Vitz, the car took first in class at Pebble Beach in 1981 and a perfect score at the CCCA Far West Grand Classic the same year. It subsequently passed through several collectors before entering its present collection in the early 1990s.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$156,800
- → 1982Private saleBob Vitzpartial documentation
Long Beach, California resident who hired restorer Bob Mosier to carry out a thorough restoration using period-correct materials and paint; the car became a frequent award-winner under his ownership.
- 1982 → 1985Private saleBill Schutzpartial documentation
Described as a long-established collector; held the car for roughly three years before selling it on.
- 1985 → 1987Private saleHarold Walterspartial documentation
Based in St. Louis, Missouri; owned the phaeton for approximately two years before it moved back to the West Coast.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryHon, Smithson, and Raymond dealershippartial documentation
Chicago dealership that handled the original retail sale of this vehicle; identified via a reproduction number plate on the firewall.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDr. Harley Deerepartial documentation
A Packard enthusiast based in Long Beach, California; sold the car around the 1970s to a fellow local resident.
- Date unknownPrivate salePresent collection (West Coast)partial documentation
Car returned to the West Coast in 1987 and was acquired by this collection some years afterward; lightly used and the restoration has held up well overall.
Competition
- 19811981 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance1st in Class
- 1981Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic1981 CCCA Far West Grand ClassicPerfect score of 100 points
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationBob Mosier
Full restoration carried out to an exceptionally high standard, with the restorer noting the body was very straight. Correct period-appropriate grained leather and proper maroon paintwork were specified throughout.
Commissioned by Bob Vitz with the explicit aim of producing the finest possible example; completed prior to the 1981 Pebble Beach concours appearance.
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