Photos by author.
Compiled from the extensive Packard photograph collection of the author, Hugo Pfau, The Coachbuilt Packard was first published in 1973, with a reprint in 1992. Measuring 8 ½ x 9 ½ inches, this hardcover book is a must read for not only Packard enthusiasts but for anyone interested in Classic-era automobiles fitted with coachbuilt bodies. When it came to Packard there were many coachbuilt models, and most of these fabulous creations are all shown together here.
Body style 3002 Town Car, from Packard’s Custom Body Division.
Among its 242 pages there are literally hundreds of photographs, all of which are mainly black-n-white. Each page averages two different Packard models, and sometimes three. There’s also a 16-page signature in the center of the book that is in color, and interspersed throughout are factory-issue illustrations and line drawings for added interest.
Dietrich Convertible Coupe (top) and Sport Phaeton.
Unlike the average history book which is mostly text, this is mainly a photo caption type book. Each photo has a one- or two-line caption detailing the model car shown, its coachbuilder and a few other minor details. A bit more information would have been welcomed, but its the photos of these rarely seen, handcrafted automobiles that are the book’s focus.
Foreign coachbuilders working with Packard included Hofslageribolaget (Sweden), Neusse (Germany), and Gustav Nordbergs Vagnfabrik (Sweden).
For historians of American coachbuilding companies the book is divided up into chapters specific to each company. For instance, there’s a chapter devoted to the Packard’s crafted by Brewster, Darrin, Dietrich, Judkins, LeBaron, Rollston, Waterhouse, and others. The final two chapters detail the cars built by some of the small American-based coachbuilders such as Inskip, Locke, and Rubay, as well as the European coachbuilders such as Barker, Freestone & Webb, Chapron, Graber and Van den Plas. Each chapter has a brief single page, or two, introduction about the company.
A Chapron-bodied Drop-head coupe (top), and a Franay-bodied Town Car.
Seeing all the distinctive and beautiful coachbuilt bodies that have graced Packard chassis is an absolute treat, making this book a must for every serious enthusiast who appreciates and admirers Packards and all the great coachbuilding companies that once thrived in America.
Used copies in very good condition usually run about $30, although I have seen several examples for sale at Hershey for less. Regardless the price you pay, this book is well worth every penny.
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