Vehicle Description
Packard is a name synonymous with quality. From the earliest days
of building horseless carriages, through their glory days in the
1930s and 1940s, Packard built the best. They traditionally avoided
flamboyance and took a measured and conservative approach to both
engineering and styling. This became both a help and a hindrance,
as their loyal and traditional customer base began to dwindle, they
found it increasingly difficult to attract new buyers. But these
concerns were not on the minds of Packard designers when they
introduced the 11th Series Eight on August 21, 1933. The three
models were available on three different wheelbase chassis. In
total, 41 different combinations of engines, wheelbases and body
styles were available to buyers. Adding diversity and prestige to
the range were 17 'catalog customs' bodied by coachbuilders LeBaron
and Dietrich. The Eleventh Series cars (which ran through early
1935) were given attractive new fender contours that curved
downwards nearly to the front bumper, giving a full-figured,
sublimely elegant look. Other changes included new radiator caps,
hood, door handles, better quality upholstery, and a fuel filler
integrated into the left tail lamp. Mechanical changes included an
oil-cooler and an oil filter for increased engine longevity.
Unchanged was Packard's legendary luxury and effortless operation.
The 11th series refinements struck a magic balance of elegance,
power and performance and to this day remain some of the most
desirable cars of the classic era. This striking 1934 Packard Eight
Coupe is a wonderful example of this very desirable and rare model.
Many of these elegant coupes were cut to make coupe-roadsters when
the values of open cars peaked. As a result, very few original
coupes remain and Packard enthusiasts have come to know these to be
among the very best, and stylish, tour cars available. This example
is a life-long California car that has been beautifully restored in
a very elegant color combination. The cream body is offset by deep
burgundy fenders and coach lines accented with red wire wheels and
covered side-mount spares. �In 2009, while in the hands of the most
recent owner, a mechanical and cosmetic freshening was performed by
renowned marque experts Custom Auto Service of Santa Ana,
California, totaling over $90,000. The engine was rebuilt, bumpers
and various trim rechromed, and the car prepared for CCCA CARavan
duty with the addition of a proven Gear Vendor Overdrive unit. It
subsequently completed a 1000-mile tour of the Pacific Northwest,
where it is reported to have not required a single drop of oil or
coolant. Today, this magnificent Packard presents in beautiful
condition. The restoration has aged gracefully and the car remains
very showable with excellent quality cosmetics and details. The
chrome is in excellent condition and the classic radiator shell is
adorned with a Goddess of Speed mascot while at the rear end, a
Packard trunk rack and chrome step plate for rumble seat passengers
are fitted. Rich brick-red leather lines the cozy cockpit, which
has taken on a warm character with use. Carpets, woodwork and other
interior trim are similarly excellent and the rear window features
a pull-down shade, presumably to keep sun - or prying eyes from the
rumble seat passengers- out of the cabin. Beneath the hood rests
the iconic, silky smooth inline-eight cylinder engine. It is
correctly detailed with proper Packard Green paint, black
components and correct fittings and plating. It is very clean and
tidy, showing a few signs of regular use�yet�remaining very
presentable. There is a good reason why CCCA and Packard
enthusiasts think so highly of the 11th Series Packard Eight.
Excellent road manners come courtesy of the torque-laden
eight-cylinder, the slick and forgiving gearbox, surprisingly light
steering and strong brakes. Few cars of the era match these
Packards for their combination of style and easy performance. This
is an outstanding example that is an on-the-button, totally proven
tour car with great history that will surely make its next keeper
very proud indeed.