By 1938, the upper-crust Packard Automobile Company had managed to survive the Great Depression, no mean feat, and was offering as many as fifteen different models. Today’s find, courtesy of Tony P., is listed as an “Opera Coupe,” or a “Club Coupe” in Packardese. The seller suggests that this Lady Lake, Florida, domiciled coupe could use some TLC, so let’s examine it and give it the once-over. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find it, and it’s available for $19,000.

This specific coupe is a member of the Eight 1601 Series, and it’s one of 22K from that series assembled in ’38; how many were Club Coupes isn’t readily accessible. This car oozes originality, and the seller states that it has been “garage kept” for 55 years. Unfortunately, the listing is light on details, so the images have to do the talkin’. The most obvious TLC need is the very prominent and recognizable grille; fortunately, it is intact but is experiencing some discoloration. Beyond that, the passenger-side running board could use some attention, but all in all, this 87-year-old coupe presents well. Both its finish and the chrome bits are still exhibiting a shine, and rust is a no-show.

I’m on the fence with the interior. It’s not well photographed, and while the blue velour upholstery is in nice shape, I question its originality as it isn’t in keeping with what’s usually found in Packards or any other car of this era. I’d also like to see an image of the rear fold-up seats – a defining element of an Opera or Club Coupe. The beautiful, chrome-enhanced dash and instrument panel, however, is right out of 1938 and still shows well. The outsized steering wheel is very representative of the tillers used in large cars before the days of power steering.

Packards were known for power, and this coupe is no exception, as it’s harboring behind that previously mentioned, distinctive grille, a 120 HP, 282 CI, in-line, flathead eight-cylinder engine. The seller, unfortunately, is mum regarding this 82 K-mile car’s running and driving attributes. The original air cleaner has been replaced with a silly-looking chrome-dome sort of a piece, but beyond that, it all looks original. The seller claims, “number-matching car,” though I can’t say I hear that term bandied about often when referencing a car from the thirties. A three-on-the-tree activated three-speed manual transmission is in charge of gear-changing responsibilities.

While we continue to debate the draw of pre-war automobiles, I’d suggest this coupe has two notable features. First, it is, afterall, a Packard, and second, the coupe styling with its small divided rear window – it is an eye catcher. Now, those two items don’t necessarily translate into a sale, but I imagine this Packard Club Coupe won’t have too much trouble finding a new home, wouldn’t you agree?