Vehicle Description
It's a long-held belief among many Packard enthusiasts that the
11th series, introduced in August of 1933, represents the pinnacle
of style and substance for this storied marque. Of course, every
car has its fans as well as its detractors, but one look at the
gorgeous full-figured styling of the 1934 Packard and it is easy to
see why so many have fallen for its charms. Not only was the 11th
series beautiful to look at, it was also one of the best driving
automobiles in its category with exceptional torque from the inline
8 cylinder and a beautifully engineered chassis. Packard's
traditionally conservative approach to engineering continued, with
an emphasis on reliability, durability and ease of operation.
Available as the Eight, Super Eight and Twelve, the 11th series was
offered in three lengths of wheelbase and a wide variety of
standard and "custom catalog" bodies. LeBaron and Dietrich offered
the most prestigious designs and all told, 41 different
combinations of wheelbase, engine specification and body style were
offered to clients, assuring buyers a high level of exclusivity
regardless of the options they chose. One of the rarest and most
expensive of the available bodies was the Convertible Sedan. This
body offered all-weather comfort combined with open air style
thanks to its full folding top and roll up side windows. The
curvaceous fenders offset the long, low roofline with fabulous
effect, making this one of the most classically beautiful motorcars
of the era. This beautiful 1934 Packard 1101 Convertible Sedan is a
very well restored example wearing a very rare and desirable body
style. It is one of just seven of its kind known by the Packard
Club (out of more than 5,000 units of the 1100-1102 range) and it
has earned both the prestigious AACA and CCCA Senior awards. It is
finished in a very striking tri-tone combination of a tan main body
over black fenders with black and orange highlighting the swage
lines and top surfaces. Orange wire wheels shod with wide whitewall
tires tie the look together nicely while subtle off-white coach
stripes adorn the fenders. It is a very pleasing and attractive
color combination that suits the body style quite well. Paint
quality is overall very good, with the older restoration still
showing exceptionally well, with just a few minor signs of age.
Body fit and finish is excellent and it is well detailed with dual
sidemount spares, a chrome radiator shell, dual Trippelight driving
lamps, dual exterior mirrors and a gorgeous Packard Cormorant
mascot. �A large period trunk sits atop the original trunk rack,
along with a tan cover that matches the top upholstery. The overall
look is of a wonderfully restored and exceptionally well-maintained
motorcar that is ideally suited for regular use. The interior is
trimmed in cognac leather with very attractive dark brown carpets
and nicely restored wood trim embellishing the dash and door caps.
The upholstery is in very good order, appearing to have seen little
use and very good care since the restoration. The original steering
wheel shows some wear in places, but is still lovely and in keeping
with the usable spirit of this car. Interior brightwork is
excellent and the dash retains its original instruments. The rear
compartment features an interesting and seldom-seen addition of a
chrome heater duct in the floor as well as dual cigarette lighters
and ash trays for rear passengers. The large folding top operates
well and the tan material is in very good condition. Packard's 320
cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower in
original form. Power delivery is silky smooth and the 3-speed
synchromesh transmission is an absolute joy to operate. The engine
is very nicely presented, showing some signs of use on the restored
finishes, but appearing largely correct and properly detailed. �The
136" wheelbase makes for a smooth and controlled ride while
four-wheel vacuum-assisted brakes aid in making this an
exceptionally easy handling automobile. It is this easy-driving
character that makes Packards of this era such fine choices for
touring. This wonderful example has been treated to an
award-winning restoration and remains in outstanding order, with
just enough slight patina to encourage regular use. Some
maintenance records as well as ownership history will be included
in the sale. Status as a senior-awarded CCCA Full Classic makes
this fine motorcar eligible for a wide variety of events and tours.