Say hello to the winner of the fourth heat of the Footman James & Kingstown Shipping Car of the Year competition. The worthy winner – although it was a tough choice, so many incredible cars! -was this stunning 1957 Dodge Custom Royal belonging to Gary Sanders. And if you think it looks familiar, it was our cover car for the May 2018 issue. Fitted with the Super D500 Hemi-headed 325cu in V8 with dual four-barrel Carter carbs, push-button transmission, a Highway HiFi record player and dual antennae, this was the last word in high tech back in 1957!
A week later, heat five of the Footman James & Kingstown Shipping Car of the Year competition took place under the blazing skies of Blenheim Palace on Sunday, July 8 at the Pre-’50 American Auto Club’s annual show, the Rally of the Giants. With a prominent display of vintage and antique cars, this show is traditionally known for attracting pre-war American cars.
It should come as no surprise then that the car selected as heat winner was this stunning right-hand-drive 1938 Packard 128 belonging to Dennis Smith from Gloucestershire. This stunning pre-war beauty is believed to have been assembled in Australia (it features a plate in the engine which says ‘Packard Australia’. Dennis has owned the car for six years, although it underwent a full restoration in Australia before departing down under for these shores.
Gary Sanders’ 1957 Dodge Custom Royal.
