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1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe with Corvette LT1 V8 Heads to Auction
A 1937 Packard Series 115-C convertible coupe, extensively modified with a 350ci LT1 V8 from a 1990s Chevrolet C4 Corvette and C4-derived independent suspension, is offered for sale with a clean California title.
By Edward Beaumont · 3 min read
A 1937 Packard Series 115-C convertible coupe that has been extensively re-engineered with modern Chevrolet Corvette mechanicals is being offered for sale, bringing together pre-war American coachwork and 1990s performance hardware in a single machine.
The car is powered by a 350ci LT1 V8 sourced from a 1990s C4 Corvette, fitted with an Edelbrock four-barrel carburettor and finned Chevrolet-branded valve covers. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and a Dana 44 rear end with 3.08:1 gears. The battery has been relocated to the boot, and the seller notes an oil leak.
The chassis, which rides on a 115-inch wheelbase, was modified during the build with four-wheel independent suspension components taken from a C4 Corvette. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is fitted, and stopping is handled by power four-wheel disc brakes. Under the seller’s ownership, Aldan American Phantom Series front coilovers and rear gas shocks were installed, along with an aluminium Wilwood dual-circuit master cylinder and a replacement electric brake booster internal vacuum controller in 2026. A brake bleed was also performed. MSD ignition and an HEI distributor were added in the same year.
The Model 1089 convertible coupe bodywork was refinished in black during the build. Exterior details include driving lamps, turn signals, a Goddess of Speed mascot, Packard-branded running boards, a black soft top with red piping, dual taillights, an integrated luggage trunk and a fold-down luggage rack. A black top boot is included in the sale, and wear on the soft top is visible in the gallery. Custom chrome wire wheels with Packard-branded hubcaps are mounted with whitewall radial tyres.
Inside, the cabin houses a bench seat trimmed in oxblood leather, with matching door panels and colour-coordinated carpets. The woodgrain-painted steel dashboard contains custom mahogany panels, and equipment includes VintageAir climate control, an Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo, a Lokar shifter, lap belts and a tilt steering column. The wood-rimmed steering wheel features a Packard-branded centre cap and sits ahead of a VDO 120-mph speedometer and a 7,000-rpm tachometer. Auxiliary gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level and voltage are mounted in the centre of the dash. The digital odometer shows 12,000 miles, approximately 300 of which were added under the seller’s ownership; total mileage is unknown. The oxblood leather upholstery extends to the rumble seat.
The car was purchased by the seller in February 2026. A custom fuel tank was installed during the build, and the custom dual exhaust features Flo~Pro mufflers and chrome finishers. The vehicle is offered with a clean California title in the seller’s name.
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