Vehicle Description
After the Great Depression of 1929 had crippled American lifestyle,
Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, MI felt buyers of their
exclusive product line would require more value for their money
once on showrooms. It was decided that Senior Packards would become
even more opulent and expensive! Style lines improved dramatically,
and the numbered Series models continued as they begun in 1923. By
1931, adjustable shocks allowed for a new, driver-operated Ride
Control system. The Twin Six twelve cylinder-equipped vehicles were
simply renamed Twelves in 1933 and stayed this way through their
final year of 1939.
With the introduction of a new medium-priced model, which came to
production in 1935, named the 120 Model, it undeniably saved
Packard from a similar demise as luxury brands as Stutz, Marmon,
Franklin, Pierce-Arrow, and Duesenberg. This inexpensive Junior
option was built by more modern mass-production standards, while
the Senior cars continued to require slower, handmade traditional
craftsmanship. Nearly 10 times as many Junior cars would be
produced. Packard continued to be recognized as America's strongest
luxury brand the world over. For several reasons the 1936 model
year, named the 14th Series instead of the 13th apparently for
superstitious reasons, would become one of the most desired amongst
serious Packard collectors. It would be the last year for suicide
style forward opening doors, solid axle front ends, and
availability of wire spoke wheels!
We are proud to present this 1936 Packard Super Eight Model 1405
5/7-passenger Sedan finished in Gunmetal Gray with Black Fenders
over custom Dark Red Leather interior. Riding on the longest
chassis wheelbase measuring 144-inches (Vehicle #954-296), this
impressive Super Eight accounts for one of just 1,330 vehicles
produced in three model designations offered in 1936. Powered by
its original, numbers correct L-head Straight 8 engine (Unit #
757707) displacing 384.8ci providing 150 horsepower through a
floor-shifted 3-speed selective synchromesh transmission. Features
and accessories include wire spoke wheels, side-mount spare tires
with hard covers & See-Rite Packard rearview mirrors, The Lester
Tire Co 7.00-17 6-ply wide whitewall tires, 4-wheel mechanical
brakes, Bijour chassis lubrication system, engine oil filtration
system, trumpet horns, Unity S-5 driver-operated spotlight, Trippe
Safety Lights with correct "Speed Light" lens, authentic Packard
rear-mounted trunk, running board courtesy lights; interior jump
seats, rear reading lamps, window shades, crank-operated rear vent
windows, Packard Custom AM Radio with rear seat controls
(inoperable), foot rest, & entry assist handles; driver compartment
Trico vacuum-powered cooling fan, cowl ventilation, Packard rubber
floor mats, sun visors, and aftermarket interior heating
system.
This Super Eight Packard was located with its former owner of 15
years in Lincoln County, Missouri after he had purchased it from
another collector friend who commissioned the complete restoration
in the early 2000's. Clearly preserved and protected indoors for
many decades, it continues to impress today! With some exception to
the forward passenger side fender displaying lacquer checking, the
balance of the car presents very well, both inside and out! In
preparation of summertime use, the fuel tank was drained, new fuel
filter installed, carburetor rebuilt with new air filter, fresh
battery installed, and engine fluids were changed. The engine
cranks over with ease and drives with the confidence of an everyday
touring car. A manual choke was added to the original
Stromberg-Duplex EE-22 carburetor for faster cold starts, and a
Stewart Warner temp gauge under the dash to monitor the engine on
hot days. This Packard is titled off it "theft-proof" stamped
firewall number and sold with a clear Missouri title and two keys.
Please feel free to schedule your chance to review this exceptional
Packard 1405 Super Eight Sedan in person or call to discuss an
offer to add it to your collection! Thanks for looking!
