7 The Packard Monte Carlo Convertible: 120 inch wheelbase For years, researchers heard rumors of a second Packard Monte Carlo that had been built—one that was a running/driving model. But no evidence of it had ever been found. That changed in 1989 when Peter Krell of Texas, a car enthusiast and prolific car collector and seller found the Monte Carlo Super 8 Convertible near Houston Texas and made it available for sale. Since then, the car has changed hands twice until being acquired in 2018 by Geoffrey Hacker of Undiscovered Classics in Tampa, Florida. The design changes to the Monte Carlo Convertible were less radical than that of the hardtop but still significant enough to retain the more sleek and lean look that Arbib originally attempted. As with the hardtop, the Monte Carlo convertible also showcased several unique features: • The exterior stock badging was removed and a signature “Monte Carlo” script was added on each front fender • The rear of the car was restyled including an update to 23rd series taillights, deleting the trunk handle and Packard script to smooth out the trunk and adding a hidden wire was used behind the fuel door to open the trunk. In addition, rear grillwork from a Custom 8 Convertible was added, modified and reversed to fit the rear of the Monte Carlo Convertible. • The front wheel openings were lowered by 3.5 to 4 inches giving the Monte Carlo Convertible a lower and a faster look without making chassis or drivetrain modifications • Two tone paint was used in the same way as shown on the Monte Carlo Hardtop • As with the Monte Carlo Hardtop, the convertible also utilized long, low horizonal chrome strips which made it look fast and lean • The grille was modified to include the egg-crate design that was unique to Custom 8 Packards and mirrored the use of the same grille in the Monte Carlo Hardtop. Additional custom-built grille pieces were cast in bronze and chromed-plated for the side of the grille to accommodate a different front wheel well design. • Exterior trim was updated from the 22nd Series 1948 Packard to the 23rd Series 1949 Packard. This made it easier to anyone viewing the car to see how the 1949 and 1950 23rd Series Packards would look like with the Monte Carlo features. • As with the Monte Carlo Hardtop, Arbib’s finishing touch on the Monte Carlo Convertible was a custom Packard Cormorant hood ornament that was comprised of both acrylic and steel —but with a slight twist. On the Monte Carlo Convertible, Arbib color matched the acrylic part of the hood ornament to the red paint on the car. This customization added another subtle element of distinction to the Henney/Arbib Packard Monte Carlo.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA0NTk=