Vehicle Description
Exceptional original Packard. Known ownership history dating back
to new. Very well documented and well-known Packard. Recent service
work and new tires, so it's ready to tour. An iconic year for
Packard and a wonderfully preserved car ready to enjoy.We don't
know why this very well-known Packard has been affectionately
called 'Lulubelle' for decades, although we do know just about
everything else about the car. Thanks to the efforts of multiple
generations of dedicated owners (five, in total) this car's history
is extremely well documented and it comes with several thick
folders full of photos, letters, receipts, brochures, and other
details that chronicle the Packard's 90 years of life. It has
clearly always been loved, given the outstanding condition of the
car in general, from the glossy factory lacquer to the exceptional
original interior. The paint and chrome are extremely nice for
their age, showing the usual faint micro blisters and signs of
polishing over the years, but it would be a crime to restore
something with this much love evident in its finish. Of note, it
has never been apart or repainted save for the right front fender
after a run-in with a train that caused a small dent sometime back
in the 1940s (yes, there's documentation of that incident). You can
still faintly make out where the repairs were made, and it adds an
interesting wrinkle to the car's lovely patina. The original white
pinstripes are still faintly visible and there's a bright gloss to
the finish that holds up quite well even today. There's no question
this is a handsome, imposing car but the feel of history that it
presents is perhaps even more impressive.Inside you'll find the
original tan Bedford cord interior that's simply beautiful. Like
the exterior, there are a few minor signs of use and one panel of
the front seat has been replaced, but again, it would be a major
mistake to try to erase the imperfections that this car earned over
nearly a century of living. Even the carpets appear to be original
issue. The woodgrained window moldings and dash are extremely nice
and the cream-faced gauges are some of the most beautiful of the
era and they all work properly. Heavy-duty rubber floor mats
protect those original carpets, but the rest appears to be vintage
1934. The big steering wheel makes even this rather large sedan
easy to handle, and offers headlight and throttle controls on the
hub. There's also an accessory under-dash heater whose installation
is outlined in the original dealer paperwork. The back seat looks
virtually untouched and showcases the little luxury touches for
which Packard was justifiably famous?check out the assist straps,
the individual ash trays with lighters, and the hidden window
shades. Lovely! Even the headliner is in remarkable condition with
no stains or tears. This is why survivors are so special.Packard's
famous 320 cubic inch straight-8 features nine main bearings for
impeccable smoothness and durability and was rated at 120
horsepower in 1934. But it's the creamy-smooth torque that makes
this car so delightful to drive, as it just pulls from almost any
speed in high gear without any drama. The engine has been recently
serviced and detailed, so it runs great and looks correct from the
massive oil bath air cleaner to the aluminum crankcase. At some
point it was fitted with a Carl King high compression head for a
bit more power, and it does run and drive like a Packard should. A
few pumps of the throttle, hit the starter button the dash, and the
big straight-8 purrs to life without any drama. It settles into a
smooth idle and makes great 8-cylinder sounds from the exhaust. It
has been properly maintained, so it stays cool, has plenty of oil
pressure, and generally goes about its business without a fuss. The
3-speed manual transmission offers silky clutch action and smooth
shifts thanks to synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd gears, and with 4.69
gears out back, it's comfortable cruising at 50-55 MPH. This car
has never been apart, so the undercarriage is a bit greasy, but
there is exactly zero rot or rust and the robust frame looks strong
enough to support a railroad bridge. Original spring gaiters ensure
the smooth Packard ride and the brakes, while still mechanical in
1934, are remarkably powerful and confidence-inspiring. The gas
tank has been recently cleaned and there's an auxiliary electric
fuel pump for easy starts and assistance during hot weather.
Finally, it sits on a fresh set of 7.00-17 Bedford blackwall tires
that are the perfect touch on this subtle, imposing Packard. It is
100% ready to tour.Documentation is EXTENSIVE. There are factory
manuals, Service card, ownership notes, and other details that a
new owner would have received from Packard. We also have 90 years'
worth of paperwork, receipts, photographs, letters, magazine
articles, and other details that chronicle this Packard's
extraordinary life. And, of course, there are the usual Packard
sales brochures and fact sheets that any enthusiast will enjoy
reviewing when they can't be behind the wheel. If you appreciate
original cars, this Packard is worthy of your attention. Few
restored cars drive as well as a properly maintained original, and
we present this car as exhibit A. There's a tangible sense of
history in its flaws, which it wears with pride and still presents
extremely well. The long, clean look of a car without sidemounts
only helps with the presentation. Add in the awesome documentation
package and many extras (trophies, spare parts, and more!) and this
becomes an excellent choice for the sophisticated enthusiast who
understands authenticity. Already an AACA HPOF award winner, this
car is also eligible for preservation classes at some of the
biggest concours should the new owner wish to submit it. It really
is that good. Please take a closer look, then give us a
call!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
