1933 Packard 1004 Super Eight Convertible Victoria

The Packard Eight, first introduced in 1924, was the company's first model to employ four-wheel brakes. The side-valve straight-eight engine displaced 5.9 liters and developed 85 horsepower. Ten body styles were offered on two-wheelbase lengths, accommodating a wide range of needs. The engine grew to 6.3 liters in 1927 and a smaller 5.2-liter Standard Eight was introduced in 1929, with the larger engine continuing to power the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. The latter became the 'Super Eight' for 1933.

The Packard Model 1004 rested atop a 142-inch wheelbase platform and was available with 13 individual body styles. The Convertible Victoria body style was courtesy of coachbuilding firm Dietrich, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. Priced at $3,440, the Convertible Victoria was one of the more expensive body styles available and it is believed that fewer than 100 examples were produced in 1933.

Total 10th series production totaled 4,800 units, well short of the 16,613 9th Series, and down from the nearly 55,000 units sold in 1929. The 10th series would represent Packard's smallest output of the Classic era.

This 1933 Packard Super Eight Convertible Victoria is a very attractive car, with its raked windshield, beautiful long doors, V-shaped radiator, fender lights, and elegant lines. It is the production of a three-year body-off restoration that was completed near the close of the 1990s and cost more than $400,000. It was shown at the 2000 Fresno Concours where it won Best of Show. An appearance at the 2000 Mare Island Concours was rewarded with both a Best in Class and Best of Show award. The CCCA Grand Classic in 2000 awarded it a first place and a perfect 100 points. The pinnacle of its concours circuit tour was a class win at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2000.

Since then it has continued to rack up much-deserved awards at many events it has attended. In 2008 it was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. It was not surprising to see the winning bid far exceed the estimates, settling at $412,500 including the buyer's premium. It is a gorgeous car that is a top contender at nearly every event it attends.

In 2010, this Packard Super Eight was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was expected to sell for $375,000 - $425,000. As bidding came to a close, the car failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $320,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010