Packard was the first American manufacturer to offer air conditioning to its customers, introducing it in the 1940 19th Series and continuing until the outbreak of World War II. Actually produced by Bishop & Babcock of Cleveland, Packard Air Conditioning cost a remarkable $500, had a refrigerator-like compressor that all but filled the car’s trunk, and ran constantly, using a belt driven off the engine. Turning it off required stopping the car, opening the hood, and removing the belt. Thus, it was practical only for the very wealthiest clients in the hottest climates, but it did work well.

The Custom Super Eight One-Eighty Touring Sedan offered here was formerly part of the renowned Harrah’s Automobile Collection. Casino and hotel magnate William Harrah had his favorites among the hundreds of automakers represented in his vast collection, and Packard was one of them. By the time of his passing, the collection included at least one car from every year of Packard production. Delivered new in Waterbury, Connecticut on 26 April 1941, this touring sedan was chosen for inclusion at Harrah’s largely because of its factory air conditioning. The car had become part of the collection by 1968, when it was included in that year’s Antique Automobile Club of America roster.

After display in the “Packard row” for some years, the Packard was sold at the Harrah’s auction of 1981 to a collector who, despite the car's very solid and intact condition, intended to use it as a parts source! Fortunately, he second-guessed himself, and in 1999 sold the car to Robert Turnquist. A founder and longtime leader of the Classic Car Club of America, Mr. Turnquist was well-known as a Packard collector and historian and as proprietor of the respected Hibernia Auto Restoration of New Jersey. Recognizing this car’s unusual options, he purchased it for himself, and Hibernia undertook a meticulous full restoration with its typical very high quality and attention to detail.

The work was completed in 2007. Afterward the car was shown at several events, including the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It won an AACA Grand National First Prize and CCCA National First Prize. It was also one of several Turnquist Packards immortalized in Ken Eberts’ annual Hershey poster for 2009. The car remained with the Turnquist collection until his passing and was purchased for the current collection in 2014.

Accompanied by its Harrah’s “nomenclature plate,” this is one of the nicest 19th Series Packards to become available in years—desirably equipped, with fine history and an outstanding restoration still in high-point condition, by one of the best in the business.

It is, in every literal sense, cool.