Vehicle Description
While Packard surprised industry watchers with the launch of its
new "Junior" models in 1935, the venerable luxury-car company
continued to satisfy its staunchly loyal high-end clients with the
prestigious Twelve, supplemented by the new Super Eight. Introduced
in September 1936 for 1937, the new Super Eight formed part of
Packard's Fifteenth Series and was available along three wheelbase
lengths, with ample power delivered by the superb 320 cubic-inch,
L-head straight-8 engine of the prior Fourteenth Series. Important
Packard "firsts" for the Fifteenth Series further improved
refinement and drivability via the advanced independent front
suspension and hydraulic braking system. Accordingly, the refined
new Super Eight models were highly versatile and ideal for both
top-quality production-type and luxurious custom coachbuilt bodies,
bringing traditional Packard excellence and quality to a wider
customer base. While produced in far lower numbers than the
"junior" models, the Fifteenth Series Super Eights were important
to Packard's fortunes during the challenging 1930s, with 5,793
produced in all. Demonstrating the uncanny versatility of the 1937
Fifteenth Series Packard Super Eight models, this fascinating
example features a Brewster-built Town Car body, numbered 9016. It
is understood that this body was originally constructed for one of
the limited-production Brewster-Fords of the mid-1930s. Delivered
to Ford Motor Company on 16 August 1934, the Town Car was sold by
them to E. J. Bermingham, a businessman from Chicago, Illinois.
Notations to the chassis records add, "Chassis re-sold to Universal
Auto Wreck. Body mounted on Packard Super 8 for Mr. B," strongly
suggesting that Mr. Bermingham's Brewster-Ford was wrecked, and he
elected to have this Brewster body fitted to this Packard Super
Eight chassis. The work is believed to have been performed in March
1939, and according to the previous owner, Brewster expert Don
Weir, it is likely that Brewster performed the body fitment,
considering the records regarding this work along with the quality
of the body installation itself. Beautifully presented with a
well-maintained older restoration, this 1937 Packard Super Eight
Town Car is finished in an appealing two-tone dark blue paint
scheme, complemented by gray pinstripes and disc-style wheels. The
paintwork is very attractive overall, and appears well-maintained
over the years since its restoration, showing a few minor
age-related imperfections. Desirable period accessories and
features include Packard's signature "Goddess of Speed" radiator
mascot, Packard-scripted Trippe Speedlights, dual side-mounted
spares in steel cases, dual rear-view mirrors, and a luggage rack
mounting a covered trunk. The highly inviting chauffeur's
compartment features a removable roof panel, black leather
upholstery and tan carpeting, wood grain door caps, a "banjo"
steering wheel, and a visually striking instrument panel. Much of
the front compartment is in well-preserved original condition.
Unlike many town cars, this Packard has a surprisingly spacious
driver's compartment, making it comfortable for taller drivers.
Passengers enjoy a remarkably well-preserved rear compartment.
Original broadcloth covers the seats and some interior panels,
while the door panels and carpets appear to have been replaced.
Other highlights include a McCord under-dash heater, sliding glass
division window, folding jump seats, vanity compartments, roll-down
privacy blinds, and a lovely Waltham eight-day clock. Powering the
car is a proper and very well-detailed, 135-horsepower
320-cubic-inch inline-eight-cylinder engine, authentically
presented in Packard Green with gloss black ancillaries and mated
to a three-speed synchromesh manual transmission. Exemplifying the
versatility offered by Packard's Fifteenth Series Super Eight model
lines, this handsome Brewster-bodied Town Car has enjoyed light use
and sympathetic care through the years and remains in very fine
order throughout. Predictably, it has made several show
appearances, including California's Rodeo Drive Concours and
numerous Packard Club events. Blessed with known history, this CCCA
(Classic Car Club of America) Full Classic� carries wide event
eligibility, including CARavan tours, where its mechanical
sophistication and elegance will make it a true standout. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7421-1937-packard-super-eight-brewster-town-car/
