When you’re handling one of the rarest pre-war Packards, you’d want to pay attention to the parking brake, especially if there’s a pond nearby.
Sadly, the owner of this Super Eight Convertible Sedan (bodied by Bohman & Schwartz) didn’t, and the result is terrifying – at least from a classic car lover’s perspective.
Right after winning the Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance, this superb, bespoke-built machine, was left unattended and rolled into a golf course lagoon, becoming completely submerged within a couple of minutes.
According to The Island Packet, it’s parking brake wasn’t set, and although some bystanders tried to save it from becoming a submarine, they were no match for the car’s 4,000-pound (1814 Kg) weight.
“This was most unfortunate. We feel badly for the owners, whose car had just won best-of-class”, said Carolyn Vanagel, festival president.
A professional diver and a towing company were called to help bring the car to dry land. It’s unclear (for now) how many thousands of dollars will be needed in order to bring it to its former, award-winning glory, but at least the Packard appears completely salvageable.
Thanks to Matt for the tip!
PHOTO GALLERY
I don’t think that is a submarine. #oops #packard #scubadriver
A photo posted by Rob Ianuario (@robianuario) on Nov 6, 2016 at 11:17am PST
So this happen today. #neveradullmoment #rmontheroad #heyguysanotherrestocomingourway #hiltonhead
A photo posted by Gord Duff (@gordduff) on Nov 6, 2016 at 12:02pm PST
A photo posted by Gord Duff (@gordduff) on Nov 6, 2016 at 10:50am PST