1937 Packard Super Eight 1605 Sedanca de Ville by Barker
- Engine
- 5.2L L-head inline-eight, 130 bhp
- Colour
- Black
A Packard Series 1605 Super Eight with 139-inch wheelbase, bodied by London coachbuilder Barker as a formal Sedanca de Ville with razor-edge roofline and turtledeck tail closely echoing contemporary Rolls-Royce styling. Originally commissioned by Canadian distillery magnate Harry C. Hatch, the car traveled annually between Toronto and Palm Beach in pre-war years. After passing through several owners, it was restored and shown at the 1989 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, later achieving CCCA Senior status with 99 points and numerous West Coast concours awards under subsequent ownership.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$220,000
- → 1961Acquisition unknownToronto dealerpartial documentation
A Toronto-based dealership held the car prior to selling it in 1961; nature of acquisition from the Hatches is not described.
- 1961 →Private saleGeorge and Sheila Van Nostrandpartial documentation
Long-time enthusiasts based in Keswick, Ontario, who maintained the car in sound original condition for several years after buying it from the Toronto dealer.
- 1986 → 1990Private saleEd Suddarthpartial documentation
Carried out a full restoration and exhibited the car at Pebble Beach in 1989, where it earned a class award.
- → 1986Acquisition unknownIntervening documented ownerspartial documentation
Multiple owners between the Van Nostrands and Ed Suddarth, described as documented but not individually named in the prose.
- 1990 →Private saleRichard Livonipartial documentation
Long Beach, California-based collector who actively showed the car on the West Coast concours circuit for many years, achieving CCCA Senior status, and whose ownership was the subject of published magazine and book features.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryHarry C. Hatchpartial documentation
Original owner who commissioned the bespoke Barker coachwork; used the car for seasonal travel between Toronto and Palm Beach with a liveried chauffeur. Family sold the car around the time of the Second World War.
- Date unknownPrivate saleAmerican collectorfull documentation
Respected US-based collector who acquired the car in the latter part of the 1990s and assembled an extensive documentation file including family interviews and press clippings, maintaining the car to a very high standard.
Competition
- 19891989 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceClass award
Car was exhibited by Ed Suddarth following completion of its restoration.
- 1993Classic Car Club of America Senior eventsCCCA Senior Grand ClassicSenior status no. 1761 with 99 points
Shown under Richard Livoni's ownership; also earned multiple First Place and Best in Class honors at various West Coast concours during his tenure.
- 20092009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Most recent Pebble Beach appearance noted in the prose, shown by the current American collector owner.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1986Restoration
A full restoration was carried out by or under the direction of owner Ed Suddarth following his acquisition of the car.
The completed restoration was showcased at the 1989 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
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