1934 Packard Eight

This 1934 Packard Super Eight is a model 1104 coupe roadster that is said to have undergone a refurbishment several years ago before being purchased by its current owner circa 2015. Finished in maroon, the car is powered by a 385ci L-head inline-eight equipped with a single Stromberg carburetor and dual-coil ignition. Additional features include a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel mechanically actuated drum brakes with adjustable vacuum assistance, adjustable ride-control suspension, 17” wire wheels, a rear-mount spare, a black convertible top, Pilot-Ray driving lights, maroon leather upholstery, and a rumble seat. This model 1104 Super Eight is now offered on dealer consignment in St. Louis, Missouri, with a clean Montana title. Introduced in August 1933, the 11th-Series Packard models featured styling revisions across the range including more forwardly expansive front fenders and a fuel filler integrated into the left taillight housing. One of three wheelbase choices in the Super Eight lineup, the 1104 model rode on a 142” wheelbase and was offered in nine different body configurations, including this example’s style 759 two-door coupe roadster coachwork. The body wears an older repaint in maroon and is equipped with a black convertible top that can be stowed under a maroon boot. Exterior features include chrome front and rear bumpers, thermostatically controlled grille shutters, a “Goddess of Speed” hood ornament, dual Pilot-Ray driving lights, and wind wings. Chrome-plated wire wheels wear bright hubcaps and are wrapped in 7.00-17 Firestone tires, while a matching spare is housed under a body-color cover at the rear of the car. Braking is handled mechanically by drums at all four wheels with servo assistance that can be adjusted in intensity via a switch on the dashboard. The cabin is trimmed in maroon pleated leather, which also covers the fold-out rumble seat. Color-matched upholstery covers the door panels, kick panels, and inner surfaces of the rear compartment. Features include maroon carpeting, woodgrain door caps, patterned threshold plates, dual gloveboxes, footwell vents, and a locking golf club door on the right quarter panel. The three-spoke steering wheel sits to the left of an instrument panel housing a Waltham 120-mph speedometer, an eight-day clock, and gauges monitoring oil pressure, fuel level, coolant temperature, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 560 miles, approximately 10 of which have been added by the selling dealer. A rotary-dial radio face is present but does not work, nor does the clock. The 385ci L-head straight-eight breathes through a single Stromberg downdraft carburetor, while spark is provided by dual North East coils. Output was factory rated at 145 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Suspension at each end incorporates leaf-sprung solid axles with double-acting hydraulic lever-arm shock absorbers that can be adjusted for firmness via the Ride Control knob under the dash. The car also features a Bjiur automatic lubrication system, although the system does not currently work. Engine number 752882 is shown stamped on the block above and is listed as the car’s identification number on the title.