The 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe represents a radical departure from traditional pre-war restoration. Project managed by Gary Gould in Houston, this build transforms a classic silhouette into a modern performance masterpiece. It features a chopped top and a lengthened rear deck, creating a profile that feels both low and incredibly long. The exterior is finished in a sophisticated Sage and Titanium two-tone scheme with colors inspired by Dave Kindig. Removable side panels allow the owner to expose the mechanical jewelry within the engine bay at a moment’s notice. Every inch of the bodywork has been massaged to ensure perfect gaps and a mirror-like finish. This car is not just a hot rod; it is a carefully engineered piece of rolling sculpture. It bridges the gap between the 1930s luxury era and the pinnacle of modern custom car culture.
Advanced 505 CI V-8 and Fast Man EFI Performance
The heart of this 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe is a massive 505 cubic-inch V-8 engine. This powerplant was professionally tuned by Richard Nedbal of Fast Man EFI to deliver a staggering 700 horsepower. It features a tunnel ram intake with dual AccuFab throttle bodies and high-flow AFR heads for maximum efficiency. A Holley HP EFI CPU manages the fuel delivery, ensuring crisp throttle response regardless of the driving conditions. The engine also utilizes a hydraulic roller cam and a remote-mount coil-on-plug ignition system for modern reliability. Ceramic-coated headers flow into a three-inch mandrel-bent stainless steel exhaust system that provides a thunderous acoustic signature. This technical setup is designed for the enthusiast who demands extreme power without sacrificing drivability. It is a drivetrain that turns every green light into a visceral mechanical event.
Phoenix Turbo 400 and Ford 9-Inch Rear End
Handling the immense torque of the 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe is a Phoenix-built GM Turbo 400 transmission. This specific unit, part number PT400SX, is rated to handle up to 850 horsepower with ease. Power is then sent back to a Ford 9-inch 31-spline rear differential equipped with a Tru-Trac limited-slip unit. The 3.50 gears provide a perfect balance between aggressive off-the-line acceleration and comfortable highway cruising speeds. This reinforced drivetrain ensures that the 700-horsepower V-8 can be enjoyed with total confidence and mechanical longevity. Every component was selected for its ability to withstand high-stress environments while maintaining a smooth operation. It represents the gold standard for high-performance restomod driveline engineering in the current custom market. This Packard is built to be driven hard and enjoyed often.
Custom Boxed Frame and NASCAR-Style Suspension
Beneath the skin, the 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe rides on a fully boxed and strengthened frame. The front suspension is a modernized Mustang II-style setup featuring a heavy-duty NASCAR-style front sway bar. This combination allows the heavy coupe to corner with a level of precision that its original designers never envisioned. The rear suspension uses a leaf spring configuration coupled with a traction bar to keep the tires firmly planted. Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes provide the necessary stopping power to reign in the car’s significant speed potential. Wheelsmith wheels offer a classic look while supporting the wide footprints required for modern high-performance tires. This chassis was designed to offer a stable and predictable platform for high-speed grand touring. It transforms the pre-war Packard into a machine that handles like a much newer performance vehicle.
Red Leather Interior and Bespoke Aluminum Fabrication
The cabin of the 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe is a stunning sanctuary finished in vibrant red leather. This high-end upholstery extends from the seating surfaces into the door panels and even the trunk area. A custom-fabricated aluminum dash console houses modern instrumentation and serves as the visual anchor of the interior. The bespoke steering wheel sits on a modern column, offering a tactile connection to the high-performance chassis. Vintage Air climate control and a dedicated heater ensure that the occupants remain comfortable in any weather condition. Power windows add a touch of modern convenience to the vintage environment without disrupting the classic aesthetic. Every detail, from the stainless steel running board work to the leather concept, was inspired by Dave Kindig. It is an interior that rewards the senses with its smell, touch, and flawless visual execution.
High Output Performance and Technical Specifications
Performance for the 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe is defined by its 505 cubic-inch V-8 engine architecture. This naturally aspirated monster produces a verified 700 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Packards in existence. The tunnel ram induction system and AccuFab throttle bodies provide a massive amount of airflow for top-end power. Its hydraulic roller cam ensures a broad torque curve that is accessible throughout the entire rev range. The three-inch mandrel-bent exhaust provides the necessary flow to keep the engine breathing freely under heavy load. Wilwood disc brakes ensure that deceleration is just as impressive as the car’s forward thrust. This technical package is the result of thousands of hours of professional design and expert project management. It is a world-class build that prioritizes mechanical excellence as much as its stunning visual design.
Final Summary
The 1937 Packard 115C Custom Coupe is a one-of-a-kind creation that honors the past while dominating the present. Its chopped and lengthened body creates a presence that is impossible to ignore on the auction block. The collaboration between Gary Gould, Richard Nedbal, and the design cues from Dave Kindig has resulted in a masterpiece. With a 700-horsepower V-8 and a reinforced drivetrain, it offers a level of performance that matches its exotic looks. Every component, from the boxed frame to the bespoke red interior, has been executed with an uncompromising eye for detail. As it prepares to cross the block at Glendale 2026, it represents a turnkey opportunity for an elite collector. This Packard is more than just a car; it is a bold statement of American automotive art and engineering. It remains an enduring tribute to the possibilities of the modern restomod movement.
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Source: mecum.com
