Vehicle Description
The Packard 8th Series made its debut on August 14, 1931 at a time
when the automaker was beginning to face serious competition from
its cross-town rivals at Cadillac. While Packard had remained sales
leader through 1930, Cadillac's twelve and sixteen cylinder engines
as well as the value LaSalle brand began to pose a serious threat.
But Packard soldiered on, and with the 8th series, they continued
their traditional approach with impeccably built, beautifully
styled automobiles with an unerring sense of quality. The practice
of offering buyers standard and semi-custom bodies continued, with
fabulous styles by the likes of LeBaron, Rollston, Dietrich and
Derham gracing the flagship 145-inch Deluxe Eight chassis. Of the
variety of body styles and configurations available, it is the
elegant convertible coupe by LeBaron that stood out among the most
attractive and desirable. It boasted distinctive lines, including a
wide beltline molding, attractively sloping doors, elegantly
sloping rear deck, and a distinctive convertible top that folded
flush with the body, for a clean smooth line all the way through
the car. The design was so attractive that it would later be
borrowed by Packard, almost point-for-point, to become the
factory's production coupe roadster body of 1932-1934. Only three
such LeBaron-bodied Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupes are known to
survive today. Our featured example, riding on the 145-inch
wheelbase chassis, presents in handsome condition, wearing an older
but high quality restoration and benefitting from some recent
freshening. The firewall plate identifies the car as having been
delivered new on February 10, 1931 by the legendary Earle C.
Anthony Packard dealership in Oakland, California. An unusual and
rarely seen secondary tag denotes the car was resold as a "Used
Packard" via a Chicago dealer on March 14, 1933, indicating the car
had relocated to the Midwest early in its life. Further
investigation of the component numbers on the engine, frame and
steering box reveals them to be in very close sequence, indicating
they are original to this particular car. Its early life is as-yet
unknown, but this fabulous Packard surfaced in the 1950s, as an
excellent original car, when it became part of the well-known
enthusiast Wayne Merriman's collection. Merriman sold the car in
the 1960s to the former Classic Car Club of America President Gene
Perkins of Indiana. Mr. Perkins had the car restored by a friend,
though it was reportedly in very good order to begin with. He kept
the car for many years, and during his tenure, it was featured in
Hugo Pfau's book, The Coach-Built Packard. Today, this fine Packard
presents in lovely condition throughout. It retains its original
body, which is finished in a unique creamy tan color with medium
tan body lines. The feature lines subtly outline the body sides,
with the arrow-like speedform at the leading edge of the bonnet
lending a sensation of motion even while sitting still. It is a
subdued but very attractive color combination, with the bright red
wire wheels and blackwall tires giving the car a sporty and
purposeful appearance. The distinctive body is fitted with a trunk,
rather than a typical rumble seat, which is believed to be a unique
feature of this example. A trunk rack provides room for additional
carrying capacity, allowing copious luggage space for long-distance
touring. Dual side mount spares wear body-colored covers with
lovely chrome tops. Dual, steerable Pilot Ray driving lamps, a
Goddess of Speed mascot, radiator stone guard, and freshly
re-chromed bumpers add some additional flash without taking away
from the stunning LeBaron lines. A true two-seat Packard roadster,
the cozy cabin is trimmed in tan leather with complementing door
panels and dark brown carpets. Upholstery quality is very good,
showing light signs of use, but generally good and tidy and
appearing well kept since the restoration was completed. The
wood-grained dash panel is fitted with original instruments and
Jaeger clock as well as a rare Earl C. Anthony service plaque.
Packard's 385 Cubic Inch inline-eight cylinder engine is
well-presented, showing signs of use but remaining in good, tidy
order with correct Packard Green paint and black porcelain
manifolds. The 8th series engine featured some of the improvements
made for the 745 Speedster, and produced a healthy 120 horsepower.
This car runs and drives very well, having benefitted from fettling
by the experts at Stone Barn Restorations in 2016. This beautiful
LeBaron creation served as the prototype for 1932-1934 Packard
Coupe Roadsters, and it remains a very important design in Packard
history. Its significance hasn't gone unnoticed, having been
enjoyed by well-known connoisseurs of the marque. It presents today
in handsome condition, an ideal choice for CCCA CARavan Touring or
casual show.
