conceptcarz.com

Packard 845

Packard Model 840 DeLuxe Eight
Packard Model 845
The Packard 845, the Deluxe Eight model, also called the Eighth Series, was introduced August 14, 1930. This model had very few noticeable changes from the earlier 1930 models. A total of 3,345 units were manufactured during its production run.

The engine in the Packard 845 was eight cylinder, in-line, and could achieve 120bhp with a single carburetor. The gearbox was a 4-speed manual, and had live axle with semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension. The left hand drive vehicle had four wheel mechanically-actuated drums.

With a policy much like Ford's or General Motors, Packard had a completely different motivation. Rather than seeking to exploit the economies of scale, their huge volumes made possible and controlled their suppliers' ability to dictate prices. Packard kept a goal to maintain the quality and integrity of its automobiles, by ensuring that each model was built to the highest standards from carefully controlled, while inspecting materials and components.

Packard Motor Company moved steadily to integrate its operations to manufacture its own models as much in its own facilities. Packard's own coachworks benefited much from this. Clients for coach-built Packard's were both willing and able to pay the cost for exclusivity, which is what they received from Packard Automotives. Packard made no secret that it priced chassis for coach-built bodywork at ample markups. They kept arrangements with Hibbard & Darrin, Dietrich, Inc. and other various consultant designers that made sure to keep a fresh stream of up-to-date ideas aimed at Packard's own designers.

Packard's catalog kept these rapidly and tastefully incorporated ideas, and particularly into the individual custom catalog. Labeled custom bodies were also often built in Packard's own shop, before then being shipped to outside coachbuilders for final trimming, painting, and affixation of the coachbuilder's plaque.

This process was essentially streamlined in 1931. Usually limited to elaborate formal limousines, town cars and convertible sedans, the individually-specified and unique coach-built bodies for Packard's were very extremely rare.

The Deluxe Eight chassis was powered by the 120 horsepower, 385 cubic inch, nine main bearing Packard inline eight engine, and had a long wheelbase that measured 145 ½ inches. During the early years of the Great Depression, cost was an extremely crucial factor, and the attractive, contemporary designs in Packard's catalog made it highly unusual for a buyer to even consider a coach-built coupe, sedan, roadster or phaeton.-

The biggest and most impressive open car that was built in 1931, the 845's wheelbase was also longer and only available in both Sedan and Sedan-Limousine body lines. The 845 was also one of the most desirable body styles for the next few years, until it was taken off the market.

By Jessica Donaldson