1936 Packard Super 8

In the mid-1930s, Packard owed a great deal to the success of the mid-market 120 series, and the storied firm found itself in remarkably good standing even during the height of the Great Depression. As competitors like Pierce-Arrow and Auburn headed for receivership, Packard forged ahead. On August 10th, 1935, Packard introduced the 14thseries. Compared to the outgoing 12thseries (superstition precluded the 13thseries), the car was evolutionary, following Packards traditionally conservative approach. The styling showed signs of the Streamline Moderne design school with its radiator laid back a further 5 degrees, and full, curvaceous fenders with bullet headlamps. While the changes are subtle, the results are spectacular, and the Packard 14th Series is regarded as one of the prettiest cars of the era.

In retrospect, the 14th series marked the final appearance of many signature Classic Era Packard features such as 17-inch wire wheels, ride control shocks, Bijur chassis lubrication and most notably, the last appearance for the legendary 150-hp 385 cubic-inch L-head inline-eight engine before the 320 cubic-inch unit replaced it. The 14th Series range included the Eight, Super Eight and Twelve. To distinguish the prestigious Super Eight from the standard Eight, the former shared features and options from the flagship Twelve, notably the special fluid-filled counter-weight bumpers thought to dampen vibrations on rough roads. Gorgeous looks aside, the 1936 Packard is revered by those in the know for outstanding road manners and performance, and much sought-after for their last of the line stature.

This lovely 1936 Packard is a rare and eminently desirable Super Eight clothed in Deitrichs marvelous Convertible Phaeton coachwork. In Packard-speak, this Model 1404-951 is believed to be the 5th Dietrich Phaeton produced, with a sequence number of 205, the firewall tag showing it was delivered new to Boston, Massachusetts on May 9, 1936. Of particular note is this cars lack of side-mount spares, a rarely seen option which emphasizes the gorgeous flowing fender lines, the graceful sweep of the hood-to-cowl shut line, and the sheer scale of its 139-inch wheelbase chassis. Combined with the steeply raked windscreen and low roofline, this is one beautiful automobile.

Wearing a well-maintained older restoration, reportedly first done by the legendary Tom Sparks of Hollywood, California, the car looks quite smart in this appealing warm grey shade. The restoration is well preserved with an inviting, usable character that is ideal for touring, and in current ownership, the paintwork has been freshened, with additional detailing in preparation for sale. The lack of side mounts make for a clean, sporty look, particularly combined with the bright finish 17-inch wire wheels and black wall tires. Accessories include counterweighed bumpers, an Adonis mascot, chrome radiator shutters, drivers spotlight, and a trunk rack. Complementing the body is a luxurious interior upholstered in light mocha-colored leather and matching rugs. The leather shows moderate age-appropriate wear yet appears well maintained and wonderfully inviting for touring. A brown top rounds-out the aesthetics and includes a full set of matching side curtains should the weather turn afoul.

Packards legendary 385 cu.in. inline-eight is a masterclass in refinement. This cars engine bay is tidy, finished in the appropriate Packard Green paint with porcelain manifolds. The engine number corresponds with a car built in 1935, but it is of the appropriate specification for this 14th Series chassis. These cars are renowned for their easy-going performance and excellent road manners, and this example would make a most wonderful pick for CCCA CARavan tours, AACA events, or Packard Club events.

At the time this car was built, the sporty phaeton style was falling out of fashion as more practical designs like the all-weather convertible sedan found favor, but a handful of select clients still fell for Dietrichs glamorous, sporty Phaeton. In total, just 1,500 14th Series Super Eights of all styles were constructed, and the Phaeton was built in comparatively tiny numbers with only a handful of survivors today. This fine example is sure to charm its next custodian for years to come.

Offers welcome and trades considered