"Sensuous Steel: Art Deco Automobiles," an exhibition at Nashville's Frist Center for the Visual Arts, opened last month and will continue through Sept. 15. The collection showcases custom and one-of-a-kind classic cars made from 1929 to 19
Model 1006. 160 hp, 445 cu. in. side-valve V12 engine with two barrel Stromberg downdraft carburetor featuring automatic cold-start, three-speed synchromesh transmission with reverse, and shaft drive with hypoid rear axle. Front suspension via semi-elliptic leaf springs and beam axle, rear suspension via semi-elliptic leaf springs and live axle, and four wheel adjustable vacuum-assisted mechanically-actuated drum brakes. Wheelbase: 148
Packard’s most beautiful automobiles of the 1930s were arguably produced as part of the Eleventh Series, and they boasted the first gentle hints of streamlining, such as a slightly angled radiator shell, more deeply skirted fenders, and vee’d headlamp lenses. The 12-cylinder models of this series were the ultimate Packards, and the ultimate of the ultimate were the versions designed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and built by LeBaron, of Detroit. These scarce cars featured the latest in aerodynamics, including separate sensuously rounded pontoon fenders, curved running boards nearly blended into the body, and tapered tails. They were the hottest thing to come from East Grand Boulevard in years.
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Packard Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupe by LeBaron - 1931
In 1957, Packard went from being America’s foremost automaker to the prestige brand of Studebaker in South Bend, Indiana. Packards employed Studebaker design and engineering with body shells that were based on existing Studebaker products and then freshened the cars up with new design cues courtesy of stylist Duncan McRae. While very different from earlier Packards, they were some of the most outstanding Studebakers of the era, combining the company’s famous high performance and avant-garde styling with luxurious fittings that were completely appropriate to the Packard name.
