Packard’s Fifteenth Series was introduced on 3 September 1936. An incredible 50 models were available for 1937. Packard produced a record 109,518 cars, a number the company had never attained before, nor would ever again in its history. Ninety percent of its sales, however, were concentrated within the lower-priced Junior lines: the new Six and One Twenty models. Just 5,793 Super Eights were produced for 1937, and each included independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes for the first time in the Senior line.

A time-honored tradition within the United States, hot rodding abides by the simple goal of increasing the performance capabilities of an automobile with some looking to make the modifications apparent while others choosing to keep these upgraded capabilities disguised. The Packard offered here is an excellent example of the latter technique as it maintains the elegant, understated appearance of a stock Super Eight Touring Sedan while harboring a magnificent Chevrolet LS3 V-8 under the hood. This 376-cubic-inch engine features a custom camshaft and tuning that provides an estimated 560 horsepower to the rear wheels via a four-speed Hydramatic transmission. Power steering and front disc brakes greatly improve handling and the vehicle’s ability to reign in speed.

The exterior retains a traditional look thanks to wide whitewall tires over wire wheels, chrome brightwork, attractive black paint, and other period features, including dual, covered, side-mounted spares, a rear luggage rack, Trippe Speedlight auxiliary lights, and radiator mascot. Inside, the grand interior is swathed in red leather accented by a suite of updated gauges. The driver is additionally treated to air conditioning and a banjo-style steering wheel mounted on a billet column, while an overhead console discretely houses a Pioneer audio system.

An enticing combination of stately pre-war style with Chevy small-block fury and other modern upgrades, this Packard resto-mod makes for an excellent show car or a stealthy dragster capable of humbling even the most modern performance cars.