Vehicle Description
385 cid L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Stromberg carburetor, 145 HP, three-speed synchromesh manual transmission, solid front and live rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes; wheelbase: 142"
While the Great Depression had a tremendous negative impact on America’s fine-car manufacturers during the early 1930s, Packard’s reputation for excellence helped it maintain its strong market share. Introduced during January 1933, the Tenth Series models rank among the ultimate Classic Era Packards. Among their many attributes, Tenth Series cars were endowed with beautifully swept and skirted fender lines and a graceful V-shaped radiator shell borrowed from the 1932 Twin Six. Inside, the dash is a jewel-like work of art surrounded by rich wooden trim.
Comprehensive mechanical upgrades applied to the Tenth Series cars made these beautiful automobiles immensely enjoyable to drive and easier to operate than ever before. New X-braced frames and three-point engine mountings enhanced Packard’s already renowned smoothness and near-silence, brakes were driver-adjustable and power-assisted, and engines were upgraded with automatic chokes and dual-coil ignition. Packard’s model lines were streamlined, now simplified and rationally organized along the 120-hp Eight, 145-hp Super Eight, and the Twelve, formerly designated the Twin Six.
As Packard’s upscale eight-cylinder line, the Tenth Series Super Eight was offered along two revised wheelbase lengths, comprising the 135-inch Model 1003 in 5-Passenger Sedan form only, with the 142-inch Model 1004 offered in a wide array of 13 open and closed body styles. Just 788 Model 1004 cars were built in all, with all survivors highly appreciated today. One of the most rare and desirable of the 13 body styles fitted to the Model 1004 Packard chassis is without doubt the elegant and striking 2/4-Passenger Coupe Roadster, representing the best of all possible worlds for a great Classic Era experience.
Offered from 10 years of single-owner care and enjoyment, and some 20 plus years of California ownership, this wonderful 1933 Packard Super Eight 2/4-Passenger Coupe Roadster continues to benefit handsomely from a concours-quality professional restoration performed by the multiple award-winning Mosier Restoration, Inc. of Inglewood, California. A sound and honest car before and post-restoration, it retains nearly all of the factory-original metal, with the exception of the windshield frame and just one piece on the body itself that required replacement. As offered, the vehicle remains incredibly attractive and charismatic with its handsome color combination, tan convertible top, and brightwork including the chrome grille guard and bumpers. The correct-specification lacquer paint finish remains striking, notwithstanding some very minor and characteristic paint shrinkage noted. The beautifully finished interior compartment appears fresh and the clock, switches, and controls work properly. A Dark Blue “rain top” completes the ensemble and looks great.
While certainly gorgeous, this vehicle is immensely roadworthy. In fact, it has been toured over some 7,000 very enjoyable miles since restoration, including the 1,500-mile Pebble Beach Motoring Classic stretching from Kirkland, Washington, to Pebble Beach in 2007. Following arrival, the Packard was thoroughly detailed and then shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it earned a trophy – its second podium at the storied event – in Class C2 - Packard Open, 1924-1941. It has also won numerous other awards including best of show while displayed at other concours events. Select and discreet mechanical upgrades include Packard’s vastly improved but identical-appearing 1934 steering box, internal transmission updates, and highway gears inside the differential. A recent test drive by a Worldwide Auctioneers' specialist confirms the Packard is a sheer delight to drive and that it performs with remarkable ease, whether climbing or descending hilly California streets, or confidently cruising at 70-plus miles per hour on the freeway. In further recognition of its excellence, this Super Eight was the subject of an October 2014 feature article in Vintage Roadcar magazine, appropriately titled “The Essence of Quality.” Simply superb and well-known to today’s elite collectors, this 1933 Packard Super Eight 2/4-Passenger Coupe Roadster will provide a memorable all-around experience for its fortunate new owner. Posted on behalf of Worldwide Auctioneers.
