Vehicle Description
In 1936, Packard was riding high on the success of the entry-level
120. While competitors like Pierce-Arrow were headed for
receivership, Packard had survived the great depression and was
flush with cash. Introduced on August 10th 1935, the Packard 14th
series replaced the 12th series (there was no 13th series for
superstitious reasons), and the model itself was very much
evolutionary. But for today's collectors, it marked the end of the
line for many signature Packard features such as the 17" wire
wheels, ride control shocks, Bijur chassis lubrication and most
notably, it was the final year for the legendary 385 cubic inch
straight eight engine before the 320 cubic inch unit replaced it.
As before, three distinct model lines were available; the Eight,
Super Eight and Twelve. All were available in a wide variety of
body styles and configurations ranging from sporty to formal. The
Super Eight was the top eight cylinder model and in an effort to
distinguish it from the Standard Eight, it shared features and
options from the Twelve, such as the special fluid-filled
counter-weight bumpers that smoothed the ride on rough roads. The
styling for the 14th series was tweaked with eye toward
streamlining: The radiator tilted back a further 5 degrees, and
full, curvaceous fenders wore bullet headlamps. 1936 models remain
very collectible for their "last of the line" appeal and beautiful
classic-era style as much as for their outstanding performance and
road manners. This 1936 Packard Super Eight Rumble Seat Coupe
Roadster (model 1404, body style 959) is a very rare example of
this sporting model from the fourteenth series. Fewer than 1,500
Super Eights in all body styles were built in 1936, and it is
believed that fewer than ten of style 959 remain. Importantly this
car retains its original body, firewall tag and original engine.
This is a highly desirable automobile among Packard enthusiasts and
Full Classic collectors alike. According to registration documents,
the earliest known owner of this Packard was Roger Derby of West
Concord, Massachusetts. He may have been the original owner, as the
car was first delivered via Packard Motors Boston, per the firewall
tag. The paper trail begins when it was purchased from Mr. Derby by
F. Porter Sargent of Brookline, Mass in 1954. Mr. Sargent was a
prominent writer, publisher and editor, and he was known to enjoy
several fine automobiles, including a Waterhouse-bodied Pierce
Arrow. The Packard remained with Mr. Sargent for many years, when
in 1990, it was passed (along with the Pierce) to his nephew, Mr.
John Doody of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Photographs show it was in
remarkably straight and original condition when it was removed from
storage. Mr. Doody commissioned a full restoration with Lee Witt of
Fremont, OH which was completed in 1998, and has been very well
documented with photographs and receipts. Despite speaking very
highly of its looks and performance, Mr. Doody sold the Packard in
2000 to focus on the restoration of his uncle's Pierce-Arrow. Fred
Heitman of Anaheim, California was the next keeper and he showed
the car in numerous Packard Club events on the West Coast. His
tenure was followed by another enthusiastic California collector
who kept the car from 2003 onward. Included in the sale is a large
history file that documents the restoration and ownership chain
through the years. Today, this marvelous Super Eight Packard
presents in excellent condition. The restoration has been very well
maintained, having aged remarkably well since it was completed. The
bodywork and white paintwork show in very fine order and it
features rare and unusual options such as golf doors, a
rear-mounted "continental" spare wheel with painted metal cover and
fluid-damper bumpers. The rear-mounted spare is a particularly
interesting feature that cleans up the body sides, accentuating the
length and sweeping profile of the fenders. Contrasting the white
body are red wire wheels mounted on wide whitewall tires. A rich,
deep red interior and a very high quality top in burgundy canvas
also provide a pleasing contrast against the paintwork. And just
like the paint and body, the interior remains in lovely order with
fine quality materials and beautiful detailing on the dash and
controls. The wood door caps and woodgrained dash and steering
wheel boss are simply gorgeous, pairing wonderfully with the deep
red leather upholstery. Mild creasing in the leather shows this was
a car that has been used and enjoyed on the road but also
meticulously cared for. Speaking of enjoyment on the road, the 14th
series is highly regarded as one of the finest driving full-classic
Packards. The engine presents in very good condition, is properly
detailed in correct colors and is tidy and clean while showing some
signs of regular use. In a letter to a potential buyer, Mr. Doody
declares this Packard "drives like a dream, turns heads, and always
draws applause from bystanders along the road". His words still
ring true, as this remains a marvelous example of a most desirable
Packard model, ready to impress on CCCA CARavan tours, AACA events
or Packard Club tours.