Vehicle Description
Continuing to epitomize America's fine-car market during the early
1930s, Packard's Eleventh Series model range continues to rank
among the company's finest. Debuted in August 1933, they featured a
wide range of handsomely styled bodies based on Raymond Dietrich's
foundational design language established in 1930. Masterfully
streamlined updates for 1934's Eleventh Series models were
contributed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, likely the most highly
acclaimed stylist of the era. Numerous welcome mechanical updates
typified Packard's Eleventh Series and delivered an outstanding
driving experience with greater ease of operation than ever before.
Positioned between the Eight and Twelve lines in Packard's broad
and versatile model hierarchy, the Super Eight was offered in three
variations, including Model 1103 on the 134-7/8" wheelbase chassis,
Model 1104 on the 141-7/8" wheelbase length, and Model 1105 on the
146-7/8" wheelbase, with the difference taken up by hoods of
various lengths. Ample power was delivered by Packard's
whisper-quiet L-head 385 CI inline eight-cylinder engine developing
145 BHP. Just 1,920 Super Eights of all models and body styles were
built for the 1934 Eleventh Series. The basic styling features
skirted, full-figured fenders and V-shaped radiator, echoed by
V-shape headlamp lenses and a subtly raked windscreen. 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 tradition of catalog and custom-catalog bodies remained, which
ranged from formal limousines to a sporty and evocative speedster.
Dietrich's fabulous Convertible Victoria, style number 767, stood
as one of the most prestigious and expensive bodies available.
Preferred by owner-drivers, the Victoria could be closed in
inclement weather, or the top could be lowered into a well behind
the doors for a sleek open look when the sun came out. According to
previous research, this Classic Era Packard's known history begins
in 1975 when it was owned Ernest Greene of McLean, Virginia. The
unrestored car, finished in a two-tone green, then passed to Bill
Lassiter circa 1990 and subsequently Dennis McGowan in Connecticut.
The solid, survivor car was then acquired by Winross Restorations
of Palmyra, New York, in whose care it underwent a comprehensive
nut-and-bolt restoration. As purchased, it was a sound and solid
car with "decent wood." The "sheet metal had dings and dents" but
little rust. Although the engine was complete, like the rest of the
car, it required a comprehensive rebuild. Once the car was in the
shop - owned by the Winross Company, manufacturers of scale model
trucks-it was stripped down to the last nut and bolt and
painstakingly rebuilt. The engine, transmission, mechanical
sub-assemblies, metalwork, paint, and final assembly were all
completed by Winross Restorations. Only the chrome plating and
retrimming were subcontracted. The project spanned a complete
mechanical refurbishment, including the engine, transmission, and
mechanical sub-assemblies executed with strict adherence to factory
specifications. The exterior was renewed in attractive medium blue
with apple green-finished wheels and chassis, paired with a tan
canvas top and dark blue leather-trimmed interior with matching
carpets. Upon completion, the Victoria's exceptional quality was
validated through its achievement of a 100-point score and a First
Place CCCA National Prize. The Victoria's restoration quality also
garnered recognition at an AACA National Meet in Hershey,
Pennsylvania. Recently part of a diverse collection of significant
prewar automobiles, this car benefits from meticulous care and
maintenance. The coachwork remains in outstanding condition with
beautiful paintwork atop excellent body panels. The blue body is
highlighted with subtle light blue coach stripes, chrome wire
wheels with wide-whitewall tires, accented with finely judged
chrome adornments. This being a high-specification Super Eight, it
is very well equipped with numerous accessories and fittings. From
the front, it features dual Packard branded Trippe lamps, a Packard
Goddess of Speed mascot, and chrome trumpet horns. Dual side-mount
spare wheels are encased in body-colored covers and a factory trunk
rack rests behind the built-in trunk. Occupants are treated to a
fully restored and finely detailed interior, trimmed in blue
leather on the seats and door panels. Maintained in top condition
since the restoration and used sparingly, just a bit of light
creasing is found on the driver's seat, while excellent dark blue
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, which shows only a little discoloring at the
bottom of the dash panel. Factory original dials and switches have
been fully restored to high standards in the correct wood-grained
fascia with polished bezels. Front and rear door tops are finished
with handsome wood trim with decorative inlays. The top is trimmed
tan canvas, and a full custom-made blue rain cover is included to
protect the top. Packard's 384.8 cubic inch L-head inline eight is
one of the greatest 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, and chrome hardware and fittings are
in excellent, show-quality condition. This car has been driven
lightly since the restoration was completed and maintained to an
extremely high standard, and as a result the engine shows little in
the way of use. Similarly, the undercarriage remains clean and
extremely well-presented. The 11th Series Packard had few peers in
its day, and the same sentiment rings true today. When new, they
were coveted for their style, performance, and refinement, and
today's collectors cherish these magnificent automobiles for the
same reasons. This 1104 Convertible Victoria is no exception.
Impeccably maintained as part of a large collection of prestigious
automobiles, this Packard is an outstanding example of this rare
and beautiful model. With only a handful of survivors, this
represents an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a stunning
motorcar that is capable of performing equally well on the show
field as it is out on the road, where Packard's engineering
excellence can truly shine. Offers welcome, trades considered. For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7869-1934-packard-super-eight-convertible-victoria/
