Introducing the 1934 Packard Super Eight
Feast your eyes on the 1934 Packard Super Eight. This glorious machine, with a generous 147″ wheelbase, was initially rolled out by Jones & Manske, Inc. in Reading, Pennsylvania. It found its first proud owner on March 9, 1935. Chassis 754187 cozied up with its first family until 1959, followed by a multi-year makeover that wrapped up in 2003. Fast forward to 2006, and it snagged its current owner. Now, draped in a classy two-tone gray with matching upholstery, it roars to life with a 384.8ci L-head straight-eight engine, harmonizing with a classic three-speed manual transmission.
Features and Accolades
- 17″ wire wheels
- Dual side-mount spares
- Trippe driving lamps
- A touch of elegance with the Goddess of Speed radiator mascot
- Rear-hinged rear doors
- A practical fold-down luggage rack
- Rear jump seats for extra passengers
This Packard isn’t just a pretty face; it was crowned with a Classic Car Club of America National First Prize in 2017. And now, it’s ready for its next chapter, complete with a CCCA Award plaque, judging sheets, some literature, service records, and a Washington title with all the right credentials.
The Eleventh Series Beckons
Backtrack to August 1933, when Packard revealed its Eleventh Series. These models boasted wider front fenders, slick slotted bumpers, and even a stealthy fuel filler hidden in the left taillight housing. For 1934, the stylish 754 seven-passenger sedan strutted around on the longer wheelbase, with 1,920 Super Eight models swanning out of factories. And let’s not forget the bespoke beauties that also rolled out during this era.
Refinement and Restoration
Originally cloaked in black, this particular Packard leveled up with a repaint in Cloud Gray, accented by Storm Gray details in 2003. It got all gussied up with polished bumpers, a snazzy red pinstripe, and those iconic Trippe driving lights. The Goddess of Speed mascot adds a dash of whimsy, and with running boards and a fold-down luggage rack, it’s ready for any retro escapade. Regular restoration checks, like running board covers in 2017 and a right taillight in 2019, keep it in shipshape.
Ride in Style
Sleek gray-painted wire wheels with polished Packard-branded hubcaps and Michelin X whitewall radials keep it rolling in style. Spare wheels match the vibe, tucked neatly into both front fenders, capped with mirrors for good measure. For those who care about the ride, this sedan brought adjustable suspension borne out of the factory, thanks to some fresh 2017 updates: new rear springs, lowering blocks, and axle bearings.
An Interior That Speaks Luxury
Peek inside to find gray-clad bench seats, a 2003 upholstery update that extended its comfy embrace to the headliner and door panels. Even the carpets complied, all harmoniously color-matched. The woodgrain dash? A dual-glovebox delight paired with an instrument panel flaunting a 120-mph speedometer, auxiliary dials, and a Waltham clock. Post-2006 rebuild, the odometer coolly clocks a cool 72k.
Beyond the spacious seating, rear jump seats and burl wood accents add sophistication. Fancy a footrest or fold-down armrest? They’re here too, amplifying the refined vibe.
Under the Hood
Lurking beneath is a 384.8ci L-head straight-eight engine, flaunting nine main bearings and a Stromberg carburetor. A factory might have rated it at 145 horsepower, but who’s checking? In 2022, an Optima Red Top six-volt battery was introduced. Meanwhile, 2017 was all about spark plug replacements, oil filter housing repairs, carburetor adjustments, and a freshening paint job, topped off with fuel pump and ignition switch rebuilds.
Transmission and More
Power flows to the rear wheels via a classic three-speed manual transmission. Ride comfort is ensured by a Bjiur automatic lubrication system installed on the chassis, with replacement fuel lines popping in 2017.
The Details Matter
An easily overlooked detail, the firewall-mounted body tag, bears the car’s serial number, reminding us of its sophisticated origins with Jones & Manske, Inc. of Reading, Pennsylvania.
Extras in the Deal
For the prospective buyers, an uninstalled Classic Car Club of America National First Prize plaque is included alongside some intriguing literature. And for peace of mind, know that the Washington title is proudly branded as Classic.