Description
Packard Super Eight | 1938
Highlights
- 5.2-litre inline 8-cylinder petrol engine with manual transmission
- Delivered new to the US Embassy in London for Ambassador Joseph Kennedy
- Rare right-hand-drive example, one of only three known worldwide
- Restored in the 1970s by British collector David Scott Moncrieff
- Recently fitted with a new soft top, carpet and door trim
The seller offers for sale a Packard Super Eight Cabriolet from 1938, originally delivered to the US Embassy in London and owned by Joseph Kennedy, father of John F. Kennedy. This rare model, equipped with a 5.2-litre inline 8-cylinder engine and a manual 3-speed gearbox with overdrive, represents a unique piece of American automotive history. After its embassy service, the car was stored during World War II and rediscovered in 1970 by British enthusiast David Scott Moncrieff, who had it restored and used it for rallies across Europe. It later resided in Germany before moving to the Netherlands. The car starts easily, runs quietly, shifts smoothly, and brakes well. Functions, including lights, horn, wipers, gauges, clock, and heater, are operational. The beige paint retains a charming patina, while the interior is neat and well-preserved. The car has no visible rust, accident history, or technical upgrades and remains a rare right-hand-drive survivor recognized by the Packard Club in the United States.
The soft-top roof has recently been replaced and is in fine condition, matching the car’s dignified appearance and elegant proportions.
Packard’s Super Eight series stood among the finest American luxury cars of the 1930s. Known for engineering excellence, smooth power delivery, and understated prestige, Packard built cars for diplomats, industrialists, and celebrities. The Super Eight’s inline-eight engine provided effortless performance and quiet refinement. Even today, the 1938 Super Eight remains a favourite among collectors for its combination of craftsmanship, mechanical reliability, and historical significance. Its connection to the Kennedy family enhances its allure, making this particular example an important collector’s piece that blends heritage with timeless elegance.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
3. Good: Repairs to the bodywork and paint may be needed, possibly requiring part replacements.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
3. Good: Generally reliable, but may need some maintenance or repairs.
Overall Condition
3. Good Condition: May need some mechanical and cosmetic repairs, but can drive.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Limburg province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a German registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
