Vehicle Description
The Packard Eleventh Series is considered by many enthusiasts to be
among the most beautiful cars of the Classic Era. Packard generally
took a conservative approach to styling, while often managing to
express a sense of quality and occasion that few other automakers
could match. That trend continued with the heavily restyled
Eleventh Series of 1934, which was distinguished by skirted,
full-figured fenders and V-shaped radiator. The design varied
slightly from the Tenth Series, but the results were dramatic as
they gave the new car a low and purposeful appearance. The
performance was equal to the beautiful looks, with period tests
reporting the Eleventh Series as slightly quicker than outgoing
models, while retaining Packard's typically high levels of
refinement. Thanks to the efforts of influential Hollywood dealer
Earle C. Anthony, all new Packards featured a radio as standard
equipment. As Beverly Rae Kimes said in her seminal book on Packard
history, "At sixty, at seventy, or even a healthy eighty plus, the
owner of one of the new Eleventh Series Packards could, if he
wished, hear something besides the sound of his watch." Packard
buyers had a wealth of options for chassis, body, and engine,
ranging from the 129.5-inch 1100 Eight to the 146-inch, 1108
Twelve. The price varied as widely as the option sheet, with the
range starting at $1,970 and stretching all the way to $6,500 for a
custom-catalog twelve-cylinder model. The model 1101 sat neatly in
the middle of the line with its "standard" Eight engine fitted to a
136-inch wheelbase chassis. Once a customer narrowed down their
choice to the 1101, they still had no fewer than eleven body styles
to choose from, which could be painted and trimmed to the
individual buyer's request. The 1101 was a popular model with
buyers as it offered the prestige of being seven inches longer than
the 1100, while still being maneuverable and capable of delivering
the kind of elegant style and effortless performance Packard buyers
had come to expect. It is with great pleasure that we offer this
striking 1934 Packard 1101-723 Convertible Sedan. This fabulous car
wears a concours-quality, nut and bolt, restoration done by Stone
Barn Automobile Restoration in Hackettstown, New Jersey. The
extensive restoration, completed in the early 2000s, is documented
with nearly $150,000 in receipts. When new, the $2,690 convertible
sedan was one of the most expensive models in the 1101 range,
coming in about $200 shy of the Formal Sedan, and costing more than
several of the upmarket Super Eight models. The presentation is
worthy of this car's status in the Packard line, with impeccable
paintwork, beautifully crafted coachwork and exquisite detailing.
The color choice suits the coachwork particularly well, with the
elegant dark blue subtly highlighting the curves of the body. Paint
quality is impeccable, and while the car has seen careful use since
it was restored, it has been maintained in excellent condition by
its current fastidious owner. Like the paintwork, the brightwork
and chrome have been restored to concours standards. The car wears
dual side mount spare wheels with full painted steel covers, dual
chrome trumpet horns, a Goddess of Speed mascot and a truck rack.
It rides on body-color wire wheels, with understated chrome trim
rings and correct "Packard Eight" hubcaps. The body is otherwise
relatively clean and unadorned, which allows the graceful styling
to speak for itself. The same exquisite quality carries over to the
interior, which features dark blue leather, indigo carpets, and
gorgeous woodwork. The attention to detail impresses, from the
restored instruments to the woodgrain steel dash and original AM
radio, every feature is impeccably presented. The front seats show
only the very lightest signs of use, with superficial creasing just
adding a touch of character to the leather. The rear seat is crisp
and taut, and the door panels immaculate. Despite the restoration
being more than a decade old, it still appears remarkably fresh.
Contrasting the body and interior colors is a tan canvas top, piped
in blue leather. It is in equally outstanding condition, and it
fits snugly, and roll-up windows protect against the elements. By
1934, the 319 cubic-inch version of Packard's inline-eight was
making a very useful 120 horsepower, delivered with the kind of
effortless refinement buyers had come to expect. As well as
powerful, the engine was beautiful to look at in its signature
green block and head. This example has been faithfully restored
using correct colors, with a silver crankcase and gloss black
accessories as original. It is detailed with correct clamps,
plumbing, wiring, and hardware. There is evidence of light staining
on the crankcase which reflects its recent careful use. The
presentation is excellent, and indicative of both the quality of
the restoration and the care it has received since it was
completed. Eleventh Series Packards are coveted not only for their
beauty but also for their rarity. While the Eight accounted for the
majority of all Eleventh Series models, just 5,120 left the factory
in 1934. Rarer still are cars with expensive, elaborate coachwork
such as this convertible sedan. Desirable and stunningly beautiful,
this Packard 1101 is an approved CCCA Full Classic and is eligible
for numerous events and shows. It has proven itself a winner with a
Best in Show (open class) at the 2015 Winter Park Concours
d'Elegance in Florida. This represents rare opportunity to acquire
a gorgeous and desirable Classic-Era Packard, splendidly restored
by one of the most respected names in the business.
