For Sale
1949 Packard Monte Carlo Convertible
1 of 1 Prototype
Sunset in Tampa, Florida: April 2024
Executive Summary
This is an opportunity to acquire an important piece of American custom coachbuilding history with Pebble Beach potential.
The Monte Carlo Coupe and Convertible were built in early 1949 by Henney Motor Company—the exclusive coachbuilder for Packard. These cars were conceived to showcase the talents of their new designer, Richard Arbib, as a proposal for new styling of a “halo” car for the Packard line. Small and large styling changes were made to both Monte Carlo models as outlined below. Although Packard didn’t move forward with this initial concept by Henney, they were suitably impressed with Henney’s collaboration with Arbib. Subsequently, Packard approved Henney to build two new concept/show cars – both designed by Richard Arbib: the Pan American in 1952 and the newly designed Packard Monte Carlos for 1953.
While the 1949 Monte Carlo Hardtop Coupe was a mock-up for show purposes (they used a stock Custom 8 Convertible modified with clay and fiberglass roof), the 1949 Monte Carlo Convertible was built as a running, driving example. The full history of the Packard Monte Carlo is discussed in the 128 page book which can be accessed via a link below.
Chain of Ownership
The Packard Monte Carlo convertible first surfaced 1988 when Peter Krell found it in the Dallas, Texas area. He later sold the car to a collector in the late 1980s who held onto it until it was sold at public auction in 1993. John and Harlen Neagle purchased the car at the auction and held onto it until 2018 when Geoffrey Hacker of Undiscovered Classics purchased the car and brought it home to Tampa, Florida. The car is currently on display at the National Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio.
Work Completed on Car
As it sits today, a sympathetic mechanical restoration was completed so that the car runs and drives nicely. We replaced the fuel lines and added a vintage small aluminum gas tank in the trunk of the Monte Carlo. All brake lines were replaced and the wheel cylinders and the master cylinder were either replaced or rebuilt. We built a small new wiring harness and bypassed the existing vintage wiring harness which we left untouched. The new wiring harness is attached to the engine and ignition only. The hydraulic window system was left untouched and the windows were brought to the “down” position.
The tires were replaced and are 7.10 x 15. Wheel bearings were repacked. Checked compression and monitored it as we ran the car and brought the engine up to normal operating temperature. We reupholstered the front and rear seats with a similar pattern to the original material. We used a vinyl mat for the floor instead of carpeting. The original top and seat upholstery was retained and stored for historic and restoration purposes.
The frame is solid, floor is solid, and the body – while it has significant surface oxidation – is solid with few if any rust holes. All attempts were made to keep the car – both mechanically and cosmetically – in the condition when it was first found. The car has not been restored.
New Owner Opportunity
The Monte Carlo has been shown twice at museums. In 2025 it was exhibited at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. From late 2025 to 2026 (present day) the car has been on display at the National Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio. A multi-year 4 part series of articles was published in Old Cars Magazine as well as an article in Silodrome on the web. In addition, Tom Cotter of Hagerty’s Barn Find Hunter filmed an episode on the Packard Monte Carlo in 2018. All articles and videos are available for viewing/reading via links below.
The new owner can expand on this history by entering the Monte Carlo in preservation classes at concours or complete a restoration and take this car to some of the finest concours and events in the world. The book shown below on the history of the Packard Monte Carlos (128 pages) is perfect for sharing with the public – there are hard copies of the book and a virtual copy of the book to share online. This is a car that commands attention. It is a one-off Packard that was one of the first postwar show cars, and the earliest postwar show car known to have survived. Its history and styling make it the focus when it appears and/or is discussed.
Availability
Location: The Packard Monte Carlo is Currently on Display at the National Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio
Title: The Car Is Titled in Florida in the Owner’s Name
Price: Asking $49,900
Contact Geoff Hacker at (813) 888-8882 or Geoffrey.Hacker@gmail.com
Styling Changes Made On Both Monte Carlo Models
The Packard Monte Carlo Hardtop Coupe: 127 inch wheelbase
Unique Styling Features
- The exterior stock badging was removed and a signature “Monte Carlo” script was added on each front fender
- A newly styled Packard emblem was affixed to the front grille, the trunk and on each front fender
- A stylish new hardtop was fitted
- The rear of the car was redesigned with unique taillights and styling
- The front wheel well openings were dropped approximately 6 inches to give the entire car a lower more
sleek appearance - Two-tone paint was used to making the car appear more sleek and speedy in design This look was magnified with a series of horizonal chrome trim added to each side of the car
- The front grille was shortened and lowered and inset fog lights were added
- The hood was reshaped to fit the new lower grille
- Hood Ornament: Arbib added a subtle element of design to the Monte Carlo—a custom Cormorant hood ornament that was
comprised of both clear acrylic and steel. This design was only seen on the Monte Carlo Packard.
The Packard Monte Carlo Convertible: 120 inch wheelbase
Unique Styling 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 discussed 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 23 Series Packards would look like with the Monte Carlo
features. - Hood Ornament: 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.
Specifications
1949 Packard Monte Carlo Super 8 Convertible
- VIN: 2279- 9182
- Ground Clearance: 7.5 inches
- Body: 2279
- Fuel Tank Capacity (original): 20 gallons
- Anti-Theft Number: 820165
- Engine: Straight 8, 327 cubic inches (5359 cc; 5.4 liters), rated for 145 (BHP) horsepower @ 3600 RPM. Bore: 3.5 inches. Stroke 4.3 inches. 5 main bearings.
- Briggs Body Number (firewall tag under anti-theft number): 2279-9140
- Model/Chassis: 2232
- Carburetor: Carter WDO 2 barrel 643SA
- Engine number: G419955CD
- Transmission: 3 speed manual with overdrive
- Odometer as of 3/31/2024: 47738
- Weight: 3850 lbs.
- Base model: Super 8 convertible (Also Called Super Eight Victoria Convertible Coupe)
- Wheelbase: 120 inches
- Tire Size on Stock 1948 Packard Cars: Super 8 (2232) came standard with 7.60 x 15— Custom 8 (2233) came with 8.20 x 15.
- Tire Size On Monte Carlo Today: 7.10 x 15
- Track: Front: 59.3 inches
- Track: Rear: 60.5 inches
Museum Appearances: 2025-2026
The Packard Monte Carlo made its debut in 2025 at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. It is currently (2026) on display at the National Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio.
Packard Monte Carlo on Display at the Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia (2025)
Packard Monte Carlo on Display at the National Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio (2026)
TV / Videos: 2018 and 2025
The 1949 Packard Monte Carlo at the Savoy Automobile Museum: 2025 (2 minutes)
Click Here To View 2 Minute Video of Packard Monte Carlo at the Savoy Automobile Museum (2025)
The 1949 Packard Monte Carlo on Hagerty’s Barn Find Hunter: 2018 (5 minutes)
Click Here to View 5 Minute Video of Packard Monte Carlo on Hagerty’s Barn Find Hunter Show Featuring Tom Cotter (2018)
Book About The History of The Packard Monte Carlo: Published 2025
This 128 page book reviews the history of the Packard Monte Carlo designed by Richard Arbib and built by Henney Motor Company of Freeport, Illinois. The book reviews research by Packard Historians George Hamlin, Leon Dixon and Robert Neal and includes additional research and discussion by Geoffrey Hacker, Ph.D.
Click Here To Review Book on your Computer or Phone
Articles That Discuss The Packard Monte Carlo (In Print and on the Web)
Packard’s Fabulous Fifties: Packard Monte Carlo Unveiled
Tribune Chronicle: July 23, 2026
Don’t Miss It! Packard Monte Carlo Museum Publicity
Tribune Chronicle: July 22, 2026
The Incredible Story of the Mysterious 1949 Packard Monte Carlo
Silodrome: January 22nd, 2026
Old Cars Magazine – 4 Part Series (2019 thru 2025)
Click on the links below to view each article in the 4 part series on the Packard Monte Carlo
Part 1: Old Cars Magazine – January 10th, 2019
Part 2: Old Cars Magazine – October 15th, 2024
Part 3: Old Cars Magazine – December 15th, 2024
Part 4: Old Cars Magazine – May 15th, 2025
Modern Photos (Savoy Automobile Museum 2025)
Artwork and Descriptions
Historic Articles That Discuss The Packard Monte Carlo
The Long and Winding Road of the Packard Pan Americans
The Packard Cormorant: Fourth Quarter, 2018
By Leon Dixon
The World and Packards of Richard Arbib (Update)
The Packard Cormorant: Third Quarter, 2018
By George Hamlin
Packard 1948 to 1950
Book (2011) by Robert J. Neal
Richard Arbib: Specialty Designer
Collectible Automobile: October, 1992
By George Hamlin
The World and Packards of Richard Arbib
The Cormorant: Spring 1975
By George Hamlin
Posters
