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The Packard Eights were comprised of the same quality, attention to detail, and performance that made Packard vehicles legendary. The vehicle was powered by a flat-head straight-eight and ran on nine main bearings. The engine was relatively silent thanks to valves that were actuated by a roller camshaft using hydraulic lifters. The 320 cubic-inch power-plant was capable of producing 130 horsepower in naturally-aspirated form. The transmission was three-speed selective sliding with synchromesh on the second and third gear. Brakes were hydraulic internal expanding drums, providing ample stopping power. The front suspension was independent coil with the rear being semi-elliptic leaf springs. The suspension and comfy interior provided a smooth ride for the passengers.
For 1938 the styling was modestly improved when compared with the prior year. A new v-type windshield was one of the most noticeable improvements made to the exterior. The interior had restyled instrument panels, dual defrosters, and a new steering wheel.
Like many manufacturers, Packard's declining sales were a result of the Great Depression, World Wars, and economical downturn in the market place. As a result, less than one half examples were sold in 1938 when compared with the prior year. With only 2478 Super Eights produced in 1938, the exclusivity is guaranteed.
For 1938 the styling was modestly improved when compared with the prior year. A new v-type windshield was one of the most noticeable improvements made to the exterior. The interior had restyled instrument panels, dual defrosters, and a new steering wheel.
Like many manufacturers, Packard's declining sales were a result of the Great Depression, World Wars, and economical downturn in the market place. As a result, less than one half examples were sold in 1938 when compared with the prior year. With only 2478 Super Eights produced in 1938, the exclusivity is guaranteed.
| | View more photos Baker/Sedanca Deville |
The Packard Motor Company relied on making luxurious cars that were highly refined, fitted with luxurious coachwork, and powered by proven engineering. This belief had placed them among the elite in the auto industry during the early 1900s. As the world entered the Great Depression, the Packard Company was one of the few that managed to survive. In fact, they outsold all of their competitors combined. They had entered the Depression in excellent financial health and they emerged with strong financial footing. But the post depression era had them worried, as the number of potential buyers had dwindled as fortunes were lost. Production had dropped nearly half each year when compared with the previous, from 1929 to 1933. In response to the decline, Packard continued to make improvements each year.
In 1932, Packard introduced their Ninth Series. It featured many improvements which helped segregate it from other automakers in the industry. Improvements included a revised steering geometry which made steering smooth and easy. Braking was equally as easy thanks to the new driver adjustable power assisted braking system. The shifting action and clutch were improved making driving a very enjoyable activity. The drivers workload was eased even further with the spark advance and automatic choke.
By making these changes they attracted a growing segment of buyers and drivers - woman.
The 1933 Packard's were called the Tenth Series cars as the company still refused to adopt the convention of the model year system which called for new cars to be introduced in September or October to coincide with the auto show schedules. The following year, the reluctantly joined with other manufacturers which resulted in a shorted run for the tenth series, lasting just seven months. The new Packard model line was introduced in the fall. Because of the seven month production lifespan of the Tenth Series, very few were produced making them very rare in modern times.
The Tenth Series were given a new X-braced frames, dual coil ignition, and downdraft carburetors. The styling was updated with skirted fenders and a 'V'-shaped radiator shell. The interior featured upgraded trim and a new aircraft inspired dash.
Packard continued to offer three chassis, the Eight, Super Eight, and the Twelve. The Super Eight and Twelve both rested on a wheelbase that measured 142-inches and had a hood that was nearly six-inches longer than the Eight. The fenders were longer as well.
The bodies on the Twelve's and Super Eight were interchangeable, with the Super Eight featuring an eight-cylinder engine while the Twelve featured a twelve cylinder engine. During this time, Packard also produced the Eight, which had a smaller wheelbase size and the eight-cylinder engine. The Super Eight and Twelve differed by interior appointments and engine size. The bodies were constructed of wood and steel.
In 1936 Packard was producing their Fourteenth Series as the number thirteen had been skipped. It is believed that thirteen was not used due to superstitious reasons. The Fourteenth Series was the last year for Bijur lubrication, ride control, a semi-elliptic suspension, mechanical brakes, heavy vibration dampening bumpers and the 384.4 cubic inch straight eight engine. It was also the last year for the option of wire or wood wheels.
In 1936 the fourteenth series received a new radiator which was installed at a five-degree angle. The Super 8 had a new sloped grille with chrome vertical bars which gave the vehicle a unique look and served as thermostatically controlled shutters which opened or closed based on engine heat. The headlight trim, fender styling, and hood vents saw minor changes. A new Delco-Remy ignition system was the new updates for 1936 under the bonnet.
For 1936 there were a total of 1,492 Super Eights constructed.
In 1932, Packard introduced their Ninth Series. It featured many improvements which helped segregate it from other automakers in the industry. Improvements included a revised steering geometry which made steering smooth and easy. Braking was equally as easy thanks to the new driver adjustable power assisted braking system. The shifting action and clutch were improved making driving a very enjoyable activity. The drivers workload was eased even further with the spark advance and automatic choke.
By making these changes they attracted a growing segment of buyers and drivers - woman.
The 1933 Packard's were called the Tenth Series cars as the company still refused to adopt the convention of the model year system which called for new cars to be introduced in September or October to coincide with the auto show schedules. The following year, the reluctantly joined with other manufacturers which resulted in a shorted run for the tenth series, lasting just seven months. The new Packard model line was introduced in the fall. Because of the seven month production lifespan of the Tenth Series, very few were produced making them very rare in modern times.
The Tenth Series were given a new X-braced frames, dual coil ignition, and downdraft carburetors. The styling was updated with skirted fenders and a 'V'-shaped radiator shell. The interior featured upgraded trim and a new aircraft inspired dash.
Packard continued to offer three chassis, the Eight, Super Eight, and the Twelve. The Super Eight and Twelve both rested on a wheelbase that measured 142-inches and had a hood that was nearly six-inches longer than the Eight. The fenders were longer as well.
The bodies on the Twelve's and Super Eight were interchangeable, with the Super Eight featuring an eight-cylinder engine while the Twelve featured a twelve cylinder engine. During this time, Packard also produced the Eight, which had a smaller wheelbase size and the eight-cylinder engine. The Super Eight and Twelve differed by interior appointments and engine size. The bodies were constructed of wood and steel.
In 1936 Packard was producing their Fourteenth Series as the number thirteen had been skipped. It is believed that thirteen was not used due to superstitious reasons. The Fourteenth Series was the last year for Bijur lubrication, ride control, a semi-elliptic suspension, mechanical brakes, heavy vibration dampening bumpers and the 384.4 cubic inch straight eight engine. It was also the last year for the option of wire or wood wheels.
In 1936 the fourteenth series received a new radiator which was installed at a five-degree angle. The Super 8 had a new sloped grille with chrome vertical bars which gave the vehicle a unique look and served as thermostatically controlled shutters which opened or closed based on engine heat. The headlight trim, fender styling, and hood vents saw minor changes. A new Delco-Remy ignition system was the new updates for 1936 under the bonnet.
For 1936 there were a total of 1,492 Super Eights constructed.
| Photos grouped by event | |
|
31st Annual Ault Park Concours d'Elegance |
 2005 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance |
1938 Packard Super Eight |
|
| Year | 1938 |
| Make | Packard |
| Model | Super Eight |
| Body Style | Baker/Sedanca Deville |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Production Years for Series | 1937 - 1939 |
| Price | $3,970.00 |
| Weight | 4945 lbs | 2243.1 kg |
| Combined MPG | 0.00 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| L-Head | |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Displacement | 320.00 CU IN. | 5244.8 cc. | 5.2 L. |
| Horsepower | 130.00 BHP (95.7 KW) @ 3200.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 38.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 25.0 BHP / Liter |
| Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Petrol |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Standard Transmission | |
| Gears | 3 |
| Transmission | Selective Sliding |
| With synchromesh on 2nd and 3rd | |
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| Articles and Event Coverage |
| 31st Annual Ault Park Concours d'Elegance |
| 2005 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance |
| Additional Resources and Links |
| Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance Official Website |
| Concours d'Elegance at Ault Park Official Website |
| 1938 Packard models |
| 1604 Super Eight |
| 1605 Super Eight Dietrich |
| 1607 Twelve |
| 1608 Twelve Brunn |
| 1608 Twelve Durham |
| Formal Town Car Art-Carved Hearse |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com