Vehicle Description
Always built to the highest standards, the Packard was
unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era.
First introduced in 1924, the Eight was notable as the first
Packard to employ four-wheel brakes. Its side-valve straight-eight
engine developed 85bhp from 5.9 liters, and the model Eight line-up
initially comprised ten models on two wheelbase lengths. In 1927
the engine was enlarged to 6.3 liters and a smaller 5.2-liter
Standard Eight was introduced for 1929, the larger engine
continuing to power the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. The latter was
re-christened 'Super Eight' for 1933, by which time all Packards
featured synchromesh transmissions. Built on the 142-inch
wheelbase, the model 1004 was offered with 13 individual body
styles. Arguably, none were more in tune with the coachbuilding
fashions of its era than the Convertible Victoria. The more austere
times and trends perhaps dictated a shift towards all-weather
designs, allowing one car to suit multiple climate conditions,
rather than needing a stable of bespoke automobiles each with a
specific purpose. For this fashionable style Packard turned to the
styling and coachbuilding firm Dietrich, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan.
Founded by Raymond Dietrich, the firm reached a mythic status with
their handsome and innovative styling, and Dietrich became a
frequent collaborator with Packard; their designs as applied to
these chassis today represent some of the most revered models of
the Classic era. 1933 Packards are wonderfully made and styled
automobiles - it was only a shame there were so few who could
afford to buy them. 10th series production totaled a meager 4,800
units, a far cry from the 16,613 for the 9th series, and way down
from the nearly 55,000 sold in 1929. The 10th series would
represent Packard's smallest output of the Classic era. Packard's
Convertible Victoria is widely regarded as one of the most elegant
factory bodies mounted atop the Super Eight chassis. Priced at
$3,440, the Convertible Victoria was one of the more expensive body
styles available and would no doubt have only accounted for a
modest percentage of the 788 Eight chassis built. It is believed
that far less than 100 Convertible Victorias were produced in 1933.
Although little of its earliest history has been recorded, this
Packard was fortunate to come to the attention of Tom Weatherford,
a resident of Diablo, California. Under his supervision, the
Packard underwent a three-year body-off restoration that reportedly
cost in excess of $400,000. It is very rare to find a
flat-windshield Packard that has been treated to such a
comprehensive restoration, especially a tenth-series model, a
long-standing favorite of Packard connoisseurs. The coachwork has
been fully restored and remains in outstanding condition with
beautiful paintwork atop excellent body panels. Finished in black
with a striking silver beltline and highlighted with subtle red
coach stripes, the Convertible Victoria has a very formal
appearance which is accentuated by the tall whitewall tires, chrome
wire wheels, side-mounted spares with Packard mirrors, and a
rear-mounted trunk. This being a high-specification Super Eight, it
is very well equipped with numerous accessories and fittings. From
the front, it features dual Trippe driving lamps, a Packard Goddess
of Speed mascot, and chrome trumpet horns. The chrome plating has
been restored to a concours-quality standard and remains in
excellent order. Occupants are treated to a fully restored and
finely detailed interior, trimmed in rich oxblood leather on the
seats and door panels properly upholstered to create a luxurious
surrounding and a period-appropriate feel. Very well maintained
since the restoration and used sparingly, a bit of light creasing
is found on the seats, while excellent burgundy carpet, gorgeous
woodwork and finely restored chrome round out the presentation.
Likewise, the dash has been beautifully restored with woodgrain
finish on either side of the centrally mounted instrument panel as
original. Factory original dials and switches have been fully
restored to high standards, and the door tops are finished in
handsome wood trim with decorative inlays. The signature feature of
the Convertible Victoria is the folding roof with its large blind
quarters that give the car a more formal appearance when up, yet it
tucks neatly into the cut-down body for a clean and sporty look
when open. The top is trimmed black canvas with oxblood leather
piping and a matching canvas boot is included to complete the look.
Packard's 384.8 cubic inch L-head inline eight is one of the great
engines of all time; smooth, torquey and powerful enough to move
even the long wheelbase cars along with ease. On this car, the
engine has been impeccably detailed in signature Packard green
paint, with a silver crankcase, as original. Engine ancillaries,
chrome hardware and fittings are in excellent, show-quality
condition. This car has been driven lightly since the restoration
was completed and maintained to a very high standard, and as a
result the engine shows little in the way of use. Similarly, the
undercarriage remains clean and extremely well-presented. When the
restoration was completed in summer 1999, the car immediately
entered the show circuit, capturing a First in Class award and Best
of Show during its debut at the 1999 Ironstone Concours - an
impressive feat for a first outing. At the Fresno Concours in 2000,
it earned another major success, winning its class and Best of Show
for the second time in only two attempts. Adding to its impressive
achievements, at its third showing, this time at the Mare Island
Concours, it again received both First in Class and Best of Show.
After this string of successes, it was time for a Grand Classic. At
a CCCA Grand Classic in 2000, this car received first place honors
and was given a perfect 100-point judgment, a rare and impressive
achievement indeed. The whirlwind concours tour ended at the
world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where this car was
awarded Second in Class - no small feat given the stiff
competition. In 2002, a collector of high-end classics acquired the
superb Packard and continued to claim awards. At the Hershey Fall
Meet in 2002, the Super Eight received its AACA National First
(Junior) and the following earned its CCCA Senior award, followed
by the Premier award in 2004. Other successes of note are wins at
the Lake Mirror and Keeneland Concours, rounding out an incredible
show career. For the past few years, this car has been part of an
amazing collection of significant classics and has been lovingly
kept in show-ready condition. Whether its next fortunate owner
decides to show this Packard further or prepare it for use on
CARavans, it is sure to be a rewarding acquisition. The Convertible
Victoria is one of the most rare and versatile of all classic
Packard's, and its long list of awards, apparent quality and
tastefully executed restoration, are enticing characteristics that
few similar examples can claim. Rarely does a Packard like this
come up for sale, making its availability an opportunity to seize.
Offers welcome and trades considered. For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7823-1933-packard-super-eight-convertible-victoria/
