1931 Packard 840 Deluxe Eight Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
- Engine
- 6.3L (384.8 cu in) L-head inline-eight, 120 bhp
- Colour
- Black with black leather interior (tuxedo scheme)
A 1931 Packard Series 840 Deluxe Eight Convertible Victoria bodied by Dietrich, this car is one of only eleven Individual Custom Convertible Victorias produced that year. It was exhibited at both the 1930 New York Salon and the 1931 New York National Automobile Show before passing to steel magnate Charles Schwab. Later acquired by noted Packard historian Edward J. Blend in 1952, it underwent a painstaking restoration lasting nearly fourteen years and became an award-winner in both AACA and CCCA judging.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$192,500
- → 1952Acquisition unknownDoyal Ervinpartial documentation
Pennsylvania-based owner who eventually sold the car to Edward Blend for under one thousand dollars.
- 1952 →Private saleEdward J. Blendfull documentation
Noted Packard historian who thoroughly researched and documented the car's history, authored a magazine feature about it, and undertook a lengthy full restoration lasting roughly fourteen years; the car remained with him for several decades before eventually changing hands.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCharles Schwabpartial documentation
Prominent steel industry leader and Stutz Motors chairman; the Packard was eventually moved to his country estate in Loretto, Pennsylvania, where his wife Rena used it for local errands and charitable food distribution during the Depression.
Competition
- 19301930 New York SalonExhibited
Car was displayed at the Commodore Hotel in its original grey livery as part of the salon.
- 19311931 New York National Automobile ShowExhibited
Shown at Grand Central Palace in black paint; this color change from the prior salon appearance was later confirmed during restoration.
- 19531953 Glidden Tour
Edward Blend and his father participated together; early collector James Melton reportedly admired the car and attempted to purchase it during the event.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A comprehensive restoration undertaken after Blend's father died in the mid-1960s, lasting approximately fourteen years to satisfy the owner's exacting standards. Work included sourcing period-correct accessories, onyx dashboard knobs, a new-old-stock Packard heater, and an extended search for matching accessory mirrors.
The completed restoration displays a fine patina throughout, retaining rich black leather upholstery and a formal black colour scheme.
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