1934 Packard 1104 Super Eight Victoria

Packard's twelve-cylinder cars were originally known as the 'Twin Six'. It was a 60-degree V12, with two blocks of six cylinders set on an aluminum crankcase. It was designed by chief engineer Jesse Vincent and gave the engine a displacement size of 424 cubic inches. For 1916, this was the sole engine offered by Packard. Packard offered two wheelbase sizes, one that measured 125 inches and the other was larger, at 135 inches. Of course, a myriad of body styles was available, ranging from $3,050 to $5,150. This combination was well-received by buyers, and sales reflected this. Packard outsold its nearest luxury competitor (Pierce-Arrow), by four-to-one in its introduction year.

In the early 1920s, Packard offered a slightly less expensive version of the Twin Six. It was referred to as Single Six, Light Six, or Series 116. It was an economical version and had a lower cost of manufacture.

For 1924, Packard replaced their Twin Six with a straight-eight. This nine-main bearing unit was called the Single Eight. This Packard would serve the company for the next thirty years. Instead of using two fours mated end-to-end, it was one four in the middle of another, all cast en block. This resulted in a then-unusual firing order, but much-reduced vibration. Crankshaft throws at the ends were at 90 degrees to those in the middle. Lighter by 350 pounds than the Twin Six, it developed ten percent greater horsepower and 20 percent better economy.

Another new feature of the mid-1920s Packards was the use of four-wheel brakes. Again, the public responded with sales exceeding 8,000, better than any Twin Six since 1917.

As the Great Depression came into sight, it immediately became clear that the luxury car market would suffer as the pool of potential buyers quickly dwindled.

On August 21 of 1933, Packard introduced its new Eleventh Series cars. They would remain in production through the following August when the Twelfth Series, 1935 cars were launched. The three models (Eight, Super Eight, and Twelve) were available in three wheelbases. In total, there were 41 different combinations of engines, wheelbase, and body styles. To add to the diversity, there were 17 'catalog customs' bodied by coachbuilders LeBaron and Dietrich.

The Eleventh Series cars were given new fender contours that curved downwards nearly to the front bumper. Other changes included new radiator caps, hood door handles, better upholstery, and a fuel filler integrated into the left tail lamp. Mechanical changes included a new oil cooler and an oil filter.

This Super Eight Convertible Victoria was purchased by Dr. Atwood from Steve Babinsky in November of 1990. It is painted in medium gray and has an integrated 'bustle' trunk, dual side mounts, and an accessory trunk rack behind the built-in luggage compartment. There is a tan canvas top with gray piping. The interior is done in gray leather with matching carpet and the odometer reads just 79,488 miles.

In 2009, this Series 1104 Packard was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lot was estimated to sell for $200,000-$275,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $264,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009