By Jack Boyd Smith Jr.
One year after Gene Perkins’ passing, I’ve found myself reflecting not only on what Gene accomplished, but on the enormous influence he had on generations of collectors, restorers, historians, and Packard enthusiasts—including me.
In the collector car world, Gene was widely known as “Mr. Packard,” and for good reason.
For decades, Gene stood among the foremost authorities on Packard automobiles worldwide. As a past President of the Classic Car Club of America, a longtime National Head Judge, historian, researcher, and preservation advocate, he devoted much of his life to understanding, documenting, and protecting the Packard legacy. His knowledge was encyclopedic, but what impressed people most was how willingly he shared it.
Gene had an extraordinary memory for details, production nuances, factory specifications, and authenticity standards. He approached Packards not simply as collectible automobiles, but as historically important works of engineering and design deserving of serious preservation.
When I was still relatively early in my journey as a collector, Gene’s passion and knowledge made a tremendous impression on me. Spending time with him deepened my understanding of what great collecting could and should be.
He didn’t chase trends or flash. He respected craftsmanship, originality, historical accuracy, and the stories behind the automobiles themselves. Watching Gene evaluate a Packard was like watching a master historian at work.
The Prince of Packards
I recall one day in particular—a day Gene and I spent together, inspecting a Packard at auction—because it perfectly captured who Gene was.
To most people, the Packard we were there to look at would have appeared absolutely pristine. Flawless. But within moments, Gene began identifying one detail after another that wasn’t correct—a finish that should have been different, a component that had been plated incorrectly, a small detail that nobody else in the room would ever notice.
It was remarkable to witness.
But Gene’s attention to detail never came from arrogance or criticism. It came from respect for the automobile and the belief that these cars deserved proper preservation.
That same day, Gene strongly encouraged me to purchase a different Packard and have it restored by Eric and Vivian LaVine at LaVine Restorations.
TOP: Gene Perkins (right) with John and Elaine Klein. BOTTOM: The JBS Collection’s 1932 Packard 904 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Custom Body Stationary Coupe, one of only two such models ever built, was once owned by Gene Perkins, aka “Mr. Packard.”
At the time, I remember wondering if Gene might simply be, shall we say, impossibly particular. He wasn’t. The car went on to become an award-winning restoration, and the experience reinforced something many people in the hobby already knew: when Gene Perkins spoke about Packards, you listened.
A lasting presence in my collection
Over the years, Gene’s guidance influenced many decisions within my collection and helped shape my own appreciation for authenticity, preservation, and historical stewardship.
Today, one of the automobiles I treasure most is Gene’s beloved 1932 Packard 904 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Custom Body Stationary Coupe. Only two examples were ever built, and Gene cared for his car for more than fifty-five years. Under his stewardship, it became one of the most admired Packards in the country, appearing at prestigious concours events including Pebble Beach.
I am proud to be its current caretaker.
But when I look at that automobile, I think less about awards and rarity than I do about Gene himself—his standards, his knowledge, his character, and the immense respect he had for the Packard marque.
More than an expert
For all of Gene’s expertise, he was also personable, funny, and endlessly curious.
One story I still laugh about took place years ago at a gathering hosted by John and Elaine Klein following the Indianapolis 500. Gene became deeply engaged in conversation with Elaine—a renowned Master Gardener—about the trees near their driveway, under which Gene’s immaculate open Packard was parked.
Elaine was delighted by Gene’s sudden, significant interest in horticulture, a subject which he’d not previously demonstrated, to her, such enthusiasm.
After several minutes of earnest discussion, Gene paused, gently interrupted the hostess, and asked: “Now, Elaine…are these types of trees known to drip sap?”
That was Gene. Curious. Thorough. Practical. And always thinking about a Packard.
The story still makes me smile today.
A legacy that endures
Gene’s expertise challenged me to become a better collector and caretaker, and his passion for Packard helped shape my own appreciation for the marque and for the importance of authenticity and preservation.
One year later, his presence is still missed throughout the hobby he helped elevate, and yet, his influence remains everywhere. It lives in the Packards he preserved. It lives in the standards he established. It lives in the friendships he nurtured. And it lives in the countless enthusiasts whose lives he touched.