Jack Boyd Smith Jr. and The JBS Collection pay tribute to the memory of our late, great friend, Gene Perkins, one of the world’s foremost Packard experts
With a sad and heavy heart, we at The JBS Collection, led by owner Jack Boyd Smith Jr., mourn the unexpected loss of a true giant in the Classic Car arena. Gene Perkins, aka “Mr. Packard,” of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away recently. We extend our deepest condolences to Gene’s wife, Sally, his son Brian, and the rest of his family. We also offer our thoughts and prayers to everyone who knew and loved Gene and appreciated his spirit as much as we did.
Gene was a past President of the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) and a towering figure in the Classic Car arena for more than 60 years. Despite his profile and vast technical understanding, his journey to becoming one of the foremost Packard experts in the world was one fueled simply by enthusiasm, unending effort, love, joy, and passion.
“Gene’s appreciation for Packard automobiles was on another level,” said Jack Boyd Smith Jr. “I have never met anyone in my life who knew as much—or cared as much—about the Packard marque. Not even close, and it was absolutely inspiring. Gene’s devotion to Packard helped me gain a better understanding of just how important a role that company played in automotive history. I’m proud that Gene’s enthusiasm rubbed off on me. I’m proud to now own a collection of historic Packards, including one that used to belong to Gene, that is considered one of the finest assemblages of classic Packards in the world.”
The Prince of Packards
Gene became a member of the Indiana Region of the CCCA shortly after the group was formed in 1960, and served in leadership roles over the years both regionally and nationally.
Gene’s incredible automotive knowledge was not something he touted, but still, he became well-known over time. He would go on to become the National Head Judge of the CCCA and he served as Head Judge at several automotive concours events.
“Just to give you an idea of how sharp Gene was when it came to Packards, I’ll share this story with you,” said Smith Jr. “He and I once looked at a Packard at auction, and being there that day and witnessing Gene’s expertise was one of the more profound experiences in my life. They bring out this beautiful-looking, classic Packard—and it looks perfect in every way, just immaculate—and Gene, just glancing at it, starts immediately picking apart the most miniscule details. ‘The valve stem is wrong,’ he says. Then he looks under the hood and points out a part that was chromed that should be painted, notices a part that was painted that should be chromed. ‘They shouldn’t have done this, they should never have done that. It’s missing this, it’s missing that,’ one comment after another. It was absolutely astounding to observe his knowledge. That car looked great to everyone else in the room, but Gene knew every single little detail that was wrong about it.”
Turns out, Gene also knew everything that could be right.
Gene Perkins (right) with John and Elaine Klein
The 1932 Packard 904 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Custom Body Stationary Coupe in The JBS Collection was once owned by Gene Perkins
“At that auction, he also told me that if I purchased that Packard and took it to my friends and partners at LaVine Restorations, it would definitely be a winner,” said Smith Jr. “And that was exactly what happened. I purchased it, we had Eric and Vivian LaVine restore it, and it won a Second in Class concours award. I look back on that day at auction, and I remember doubting Gene a little bit when he started picking that Packard apart. But he knew. He knew everything there was to know about Packard, and it inspired me so much to be there with him that day. I’m glad I trusted him. I never doubted him again after that day. Gene inspired me, and he greatly influenced my life, and my collection.”
According to Vivian LaVine, who founded LaVine Restorations with her husband, Eric, half a century ago, there was much more to Gene Perkins than his encyclopedic knowledge of Packard automobiles.
“Gene Perkins had a heart of gold, and every person he ever met or spent time with has a story they’ll never forget about him,” said LaVine. “Eric and I met him forty-five years ago at an event he was judging in Indianapolis, and he made such an impact on me. He was so willing to do anything at all for members of the CCCA Indiana Region, and for that matter, anyone he cared about. I know he was an inspiration for Jack. Every Packard we’ve restored for Jack over the past ten years, Gene helped us with—and he did it out of friendship. He also was close with our son, Travis, who now does so well to run our family business. I think Gene loved that Travis represents the next generation, and shares his enthusiasm for Packard—with that same passion for accumulating knowledge. He impacted all of us, and our whole family will miss Gene Perkins in ways words cannot describe.”
“There was no one like Gene”
Despite his esteem within the Classic Car arena and his status as a worldwide Packard expert, Gene was approachable, affable, helpful, and beyond humorous. He lit up a room.
“His sense of humor was just elevated,” said LaVine. “He wasn’t mean in any kind of way, but he could sort of josh with folks and make people feel like laughing. One time, I saw him tell a bald fellow, ‘You need a different barber because the one you have left a hole on the top of your head.’ And it was delivered with this sense of love, and it just made everyone feel light and loose. There was no one like Gene. I’ll never forget we had him over for a club dinner once, and one of my Amish family members brought a pie they’d baked. Gene sat there, took a bite, and his eyes went big, and then he literally sat there and ate that entire pie. He was just a wonderful and unique person. I will never forget him.”
The JBS Collection is proud to own, and lovingly preserve, a 1932 Packard 904 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Custom Body Stationary Coupe that was the prized piece in Gene’s own notable collection for 55 years. Gene loved his spectacular Coupe—of which only two were ever manufactured—and he showed it proudly, although selectively, on CCCA CARavans and show fields in the Midwest. In three trips to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Gene’s Packard was awarded First, Second, and Third in its class.
“In the Classic Car arena, we’re always talking about one of a kind,” said Smith Jr. “Everyone is looking for a vehicle that is so unique that no one else has ever seen or ever owned it. At this moment, though, as I ponder my feelings for someone I cared deeply about who is now gone, I can’t help but feel that—when it comes to people, and humanity—we’re all one of a kind. I know Gene Perkins certainly was. I will forever miss his warmth, humor, wisdom, passion, and his inspiring and impeccable character. I’m going to miss Gene very much, and I will honor his memory in every way I can.”
Beloved memories of a Packard man
Special thanks to the Classic Car Club of America’s Indiana Region for the above photo of Gene. In the photo, Gene is with John and Elaine Klein at an annual party at the Klein home after the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. The story goes that, during the party, Gene was sitting with the couple on their front porch. He was quite curious, and inquired of Elaine—a Master Gardner—regarding the trees in front of their home, under which Gene’s immaculate, open Packard was parked. Elaine was surprised that Gene, always so focused and heavily immersed in his love for cars, could have such a pointed interest in, and extended conversation about, trees.
Then, after a short pause, Gene asked…”Now, do the trees drip sap?”
On behalf of everyone who knew and loved Gene Perkins, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Perkins family. Mr. Packard, we will never forget you.