For Sale: 1934 Packard Super Eight in Saint Louis, Missouri

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.