- Seller: James A (Contact)
- Location: Mason City, Iowa
- Mileage: 78,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 13622751
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 356cui Inline-8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
Packard built its reputation on elegance and engineering, and by 1940, the Senior Series Super Eight was among the most refined cars you could buy in America. Sleek, imposing, and replete with quiet prestige, these pre-war Packards carried a presence that made them favorites of executives, professionals, and celebrities alike. Today, they remain a striking reminder of the golden age of luxury motoring.
This example, now available through Barn Finds, is located in Mason City, Iowa. Showing 78,000 miles and backed by a clean title, it represents a very solid car that was restored years ago and has been carefully maintained since. The Packard still runs well and is very much a driver, with updates that make it easier to live with while retaining its authentic charm.
The car’s original 8-cylinder engine pairs with a three-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, the engine has been given recent attention with a rebuilt carburetor, updated starter, alternator, and a new fuel pump. The car has also been converted to a 12-volt system, which makes cold starts and night driving more reliable than the original 6-volt setup. It fires up without drama and delivers the smooth, torquey performance that Packard’s straight-eights are known for.
Inside, the interior remains in nice shape, showing the kind of care you hope for in a car that has already been restored once. The dashboard, upholstery, and trim look good, with only age-appropriate wear. While the wipers currently aren’t working and the tires are old, the overall condition means this Packard can be enjoyed as a “driver” today. Most importantly, it continues to attract attention wherever it goes. In fact, the seller jokes that it might bring a little too much attention when out on the road.
The Super Eight was not a mass-market car when new, and eight decades later, surviving examples like this one still stand out for their size, style, and quality. With its solid body, reliable updates, and a drivetrain that’s been kept in running condition, this Packard would be a rewarding choice for someone who wants to own a genuine piece of prewar luxury history without having to embark on a full restoration project.
Would you enjoy this Packard just as it sits as a dependable driver, or would you take it to the next level with a fresh restoration?
Bid On This Auction
Nerolito bid $11,000.00 2025-09-25 11:57:08
AP bid $10,600.00 2025-09-25 10:58:21- Nerolito bid $10,500.00 2025-09-25 10:18:18
- AP bid $10,100.00 2025-09-25 09:57:42
- Nerolito bid $10,000.00 2025-09-25 09:31:00
- AP bid $9,000.00 2025-09-25 08:36:28
- Nerolito bid $8,800.00 2025-09-25 08:32:48
AP bid $7,500.00 2025-09-25 08:30:23- Nerolito bid $7,200.00 2025-09-24 04:42:38
Anders bid $6,600.00 2025-09-23 14:59:49
To old love vettes bid $6,500.00 2025-09-23 09:18:13- Nerolito bid $6,000.00 2025-09-23 06:34:57
- To old love vettes bid $4,000.00 2025-09-22 13:35:51
- Anders bid $3,400.00 2025-09-22 13:25:08
- To old love vettes bid $3,300.00 2025-09-19 13:12:50
- Nerolito bid $3,200.00 2025-09-19 12:16:38
Tom Mack bid $2,000.00 2025-09-19 08:53:41
So this and the Buick that follows, are they selling out because the end is near? or are they selling out Grandpa’s collection? No matter. Stuningly beautiful cars! You’ll never see cars like this again! Good luck with the sale!
I should say automobiles instead of cars, as they deserve more respect!
Whole bunch of parts pictures. Would be nice to see the whole car.
There’s a lot of real estate there to squeeze a close up in one picture.
Magnificent car, but what would be the point of owning it? A luxury car with a three on the tree and no AC or power accessories ? You couldn’t daily drive it without attracting unwarranted attention. It would be an experience to drive it, once, and then back in the barn it goes. Like an American Rolls Royce but it’s a museum piece.
Not everyone agrees with that assessment. Talked to the owner of a ‘31 Packard Dual Cowl Phaeton (Beautiful car!) at a car show in Seaside OR. on Saturday. He had driven it to the show from his home in Washington State. Told me he never liked modern cars or hot rods. Said his daily driver is a so-so ‘30 Model A. Bone stock. To be fair, the climate in Western Washington is temperate. AC is really not needed. The area where he lives has lots of secondary- and plain old back roads he can get around on. To each his own.
I am with you. When I am asked why I have “________________”, the answer is my answer. I do not have anything I do/did not want. It may give me pleasure, pride of stewardship and ability to maintain. I do not care about its value as an investment, etc. There is no one to leave any of what I have to who would care, and those who would are on the same path I am on, along with everyone else on the planet, whether they chose to deal with it or not. Drive it, polish it, pet it… say thanks for the joy. If you have to ask, you will not understand anyway. And I always let the cat sit on it.
I would love to own it just to take to Cars and Coffee. I owned a 23 series sedan and it got admiration wherever it went. Had to cut out a half moon from my work bench just to get it to fit in my garage.
As 4501 says below, if you have to ask, you won’t understand.
There is nothing wrong with a 6 volt system. Just use the largest cables available.
You could convert it to 8 volts, all you have to do is put in an 8 volt battery and adjust the regulator. No other changes are needed. And, 6 volt wiring is much heavier than the wiring used in later 12 volt cars. Also, the starter will spin the engine over much better with no strain.
Lights are much dimmer on 6 volt systems. You are correct about heavier guage wire however they were cloth braided which deteriorated in time.
I had an 8 volt battery in my Ford 8N tractor and my battery charger wouldn’t charge it. Went back to a 6 volt battery.
An American masterpiece! We need them again!
Daily drive it? No way, not with gas prices through the roof at least where I live. Plus there are too many crazies on the roads these days. It’s a car you keep garaged and maybe drive it on nice days once or twice a month.