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.
