By 1937, the Great Depression had separated the wheat from the chaff among wealthy Americans. Those who could still afford luxury automobiles like this 1937 Packard Model 1501 Super-Eight Convertible in Templeton, Massachusetts probably had substantial “old money” or income. This finely crafted and restored status symbol can be your with a high bid here on eBay. At least 18 bidders see themselves living like Clark Cable or Ginger Rogers, bidding above $98,000 without meeting the seller’s Reserve.
Elegant clock-like instruments keep the pilot apprised of relevant telemetry. Though some Packards were chauffeur-driven, they were known as driver’s cars with thrilling performance. Interesting details include the banjo steering wheel, a stylish and practical “suspension” mitigating harsh road shocks to the driver’s hands. A connecting rod-style bracket grips the steering shaft much like the rods linking pistons to the crankshaft. As emblazoned on the flashy red floor mats, the slogan “Ask the man who owns one” boasted Packard’s confidence.
Punctuating why Americans call the rear cargo area a “trunk,” this Packard’s luggage carrier offers room for belongings even while accommodating passengers in the flip-up rumble seat. In Packard’s reworked lineup for ’37, only the Packard Twelve sat above the Super Eight. Packard did well in 1937, enjoying its best year ever, according to OldCarsWeekly. Note the chrome and rubber steps between the bumper and tail light and on the fender. These combined with the leather entry pad let your “+2” passengers reach their fresh-air seat with dignity and a hint of adventure.
Packard engines spanned cylinder counts from six to sixteen twelve, but the brand is principally known for its superb inline eight-cylinder powerplants. A well-tuned Packard eight can idle while a Nickel on edge rides undisturbed on its cylinder head. This “Nickel Test” makes a glorious parlor trick, and demonstrates the high level of engineering that endeared Packards to their well-heeled owners. Would you choose this Packard over a similar Cadillac?
nice.
Absolutely a beautiful car truly a work of art good luck to the winner.
Just draw dropping spectacular.
Amazing design and execution, Packard did it right. They were one of the greats of automobile manufacturing without a doubt
Around 2002 I owned an antique mall and like having a couple of old cars out front to draw attention. I bought two Packards off Ebay sight unseen, a ’37 and ’38 Packard (both entry level sixes). Each cost around 10K. The ’37 arrived looking like something on a magazine cover About 20 years back I had an antique mall and liked having an old car or two out front to draw attention. I ordered two off Ebay, sight unseen, each around $10K. One arrived (from Canada) looking like a magazine cover, the closest to “Concours” I’ve ever owned. Healthy drivetrain too. The ’38 looked nothing like the photos, smoked like a freight train and couldn’t make it up a semi steep hill. Lesson learned.
Nice find, Todd-a truly magnificent machine from a time when the car told the world “here is someone that is a driver wanting American perfection”. The timing in history was the monkey wrench thrown in the works, unfortunately.
It was engineers of cars like these that changed the world..
Packard had a Twin Six which is a 12 cylinder engine. I don’t believe that Packard ever offer a 16 cylinder model for public sale. However, Cadillac did.
Packard never made a Sixteen – only Cadillac,Marmon & Peerless,who made just 1!
Dave and luke – Regarding the 16 I found this quote, “In 1915 Col. Jesse Vincent, Packard’s chief engineer, delivered the world’s first production V16 engine.” However more research supports that Packard topped out with the Twin Six V12, and this article is probably a typo. Thanks for your comments – corrections are always welcome! https://heacockclassic.com/articles/cylinder-wars-race-to-develop-american-v16-engine/
Todd – I have a ’39 Caddy V16!
@luke arnott – maybe you can share a picture or two? I’d love to see that V16.
Leno where you at?
WOW, just WOW !!!
love the 30’s era cars
way outta my league, but really really NICE
Not a “car” but a fine automobile…
Such a dream car for an old guy like me. The reserve has not been met at 98K. I wonder what the seller is expecting to get.
The only thing wrong with this car is that my name is not on the title.
Or even finding one’s own gluteus Maximus behind the steering wheel in the drivers seat!
Darn shame that we’re born good lookin’ and not rich..😆
This would have been a great chick getter back in my high school days! I can only wish and drool over this beauty today.
I have lust in my heart!
BTW the designation twin six was for the early Packard 12 cylinder cars in the 20’s. The redesigned 12 that was famous in the 1930’s was a new engine design.
bemt 12, 16? fergedid. Gimmie the i8 any day. Love to assemble a fresh one. That would be fun (a bent4 too, tannus?). The 8 is probably internally balanced too. Smooth as silk, powerful as Ferdanan’s brothers…
Here’s a lux0 bomb few could aford new, same ffor today, 95 yrs later (my dad’s age).