After enjoying many years as a luxury carmaker catering to the wealthiest echelon of American society, Packard fell on hard times during the Great Depression. Other makers were suffering too, but Packard’s singular focus on one market niche hurt it worse than others. (Remember, Ford was still selling Model As hand over fist.) Steep losses galvanized the company into action, and as the economic skies began to clear, Packard introduced its 1100 series, an update to its Eight. The new car featured a V’d radiator grille, raked windshield, and lower stance – designed to give a sense of forward motion. Other changes were subtle, from re-shaped fenders and a revised bumper, to a re-located gas cap. The new Eight came in multiple body styles and three wheelbases. Today’s five-passenger sedan sits on a 129″ wheelbase and is offered out of long-term ownership. Interestingly, it was built in Windsor, Ontario, where Packard capitalized on Imperial Preference export opportunities, making mostly right-hand drive vehicles for the UK from 1931 to 1939. Not all of the Windsor plant’s production was RHD, however; this one was apparently sold in its home market. The seller notes that he has the import papers for the car and is applying for a US title.
Aside from the exterior updates, the new series was given a more powerful generator to accommodate a radio in the cabin – a newly popular feature. The Eights utilized Packard’s 320 cu. in. in-line eight-cylinder engine, good for 120 hp, and a three-speed, all-synchro manual transmission. Like many luxury cars of the day, the Eight came with a Bijur automatic chassis lubrication system, and “Ride Control”, offering suspension adjustment from a series of knobs in the cabin. This car is said to run and drive well.
The 1100 series offered broadcloth upholstery and a rearranged dash so buyers could install Packard’s $79 optional radio at the center of the display. Here’s how that radio would appear, once situated. This cabin is in splendid condition, with shiny grab handles, carpeted foot rest, pull-cords, and well-finished wood trim.
This was the last year that Packard made solely full-sized “Senior” cars. The Eight soldiered along until 1936, with a total of 5120 made, but the company had already decided to move down-market with its 120, which was launched in 1935. If you’re interested in a Full Classic, find this Packard Eight here on eBay, with a buy-it-now price of $29,000 or best offer. RM Sotheby’s conveniently provides a comparable car for valuation purposes – this Eight sedan sold for $41,250 two years ago. Given that prices for many large pre-war luxury cars are drifting ever downward, I think this seller has reasonable expectations. What do you think of this swanky Packard?
Regal looking machine for sure. It probably ought to go to the Smithsonian Museum so people have a look at history and great workmanship.
Great writeup Michelle.
Thanks, bobhess. I contacted the seller with a couple of questions; s/he doesn’t know anything about Packards, so it was … interesting figuring out exactly what this car is. A lot of data about pre-war cars is either scarce, disappearing, or never existed.
Good write-up Michelle. Very clean and stately car. The tidbit which caught my eye was the $79 radio— that’s over $1800 in today’s dollars. They had to pay big bucks for new technology, just like we do today.
Interesting that it doesn’t have side mounts so you can either install a spare tire or a trunk.
I was thinking what a magnificent machine for a cross country adventure, but there I don’t see any way to accommodate luggage.
The footrest is nice, This was obviously a car that originally had a driver and or factorum chauffeuring its owner around town, but never on trips.
Needs an LS
I enjoyed the article. This Packard is a museum piece now. It is a truly a magnificent car that should be protected and preserved. Can you imagine how grand this Packard would look with whitewall tires?
If it had side mounts, I’d smoke the tires getting to Illinois for this wonderful time machine. “To the theatre, Jeeves”.
Take your Grey Poupon.
Mustard , Michelle ? Too subtle for me , but I dig your well-researched write-ups, thank you.
Rolls Royce, the British Packard. This is a really nice example. GLWTA.
I’ve inspected the car in-person and would suggest any prospective buyer do so as well. It’s a solid car but needs a lot more work than what’s evident in the pictures.
Who doesn`t want a classic Packard? Because it`s a Packard and they don`t make them like this anymore, I would make an offer– if I had 25K to spare.