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1931 Packard Model 840 DeLuxe Eight news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Sport Phaeton Chassis Num: 190345 Engine Num: 190400 |
| Sold for $231,000 at 2006 RM Auctions. | |||
The dual cowl phaeton was built atop the 140-inch Model 840 platform. It was powered by a 385 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 120 horsepower. A four-speed manual gearbox sent power to the rear wheels while the body was suspended in place by a solid front axle with leaf springs, and a live rear axle also with leaf springs. Four wheel mechanically-actuated drum brakes provided the stopping power.
The Packard automobiles were expensive but well worth the money. Their price ranges inched closely towards the cost of a new house. The Sport Phaeton had no roll-up windows and were true open cars meant for fair weather driving. There were two windshields meaning that the owner was intended to be chauffeur driven.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012
 |  |  | Convertible Victoria Waterhouse Coachwork: Waterhouse Chassis Num: 188233 Engine Num: 173560 |
| Sold for $330,000 at 2007 Gooding & Company. High bid of $230,000 at 2011 RM Auctions. (did not sell) Sold for $154,000 at 2012 RM Auctions. | |||
Other changes included the engine; the 840 and 845 used the block from the 734 Speedster. This raised its previous 106 hp rating to 120 thanks to larger inlet and exhaust ports. A mechanical fuel pump replaced the vacuum tank.
The Waterhouse Company was in existence from 1928 to 1933 and was located in Webster, Massachusetts. Their craft was applied to marque's such as Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, DuPont, Lincoln, Packard, Stutz, Chrysler, Marmon and others. In total, 296 bodies of various configurations were created.
This 1931 Packard 840 Convertible Victoria with coachwork by Waterhouse was discovered and bought in Argentina in 1965 by car dealer Ed Jurist. The next owner was Packard collector Shelley Vincent III. While in Vencent's care, the car was professionally restored and then displayed at various Northeastern events. It garnered an Antique Automobile Club of America National First Place Award and won the Best of Show Belcourt Cup at the Newport, Rhode Island, Motor Car Festival.
There were only five examples of the Waterhouse Convertible Victoria built on the 840 and 845 chassis. Only two were 840s and both are still in existence. Parts of the reason for these low figures were Packard's abbreviated sales and production year.
Of the two Waterhouse 840s Convertible Victoria's still in existence, this one has twin spare tires mounted on the back, giving it greater length and sweep.
In 2007 this 840 Convertible Victoria was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $325,000 - $400,000 and offered without reserve. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, this former Pebble Beach winner had been sold for the sum of $330,000 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
 |  |  | Dietrich Convertible Victoria Coachwork: Dietrich |
 |  |  | Convertible Victoria Waterhouse Coachwork: Waterhouse Chassis Num: 188992 Engine Num: 189054 |
The Packard Company built a tradition and reputation for style, durability, quality, and reliability. The eight-cylinder engine was very refined for the 1930 era. It was smooth, quiet and capable of carrying the vehicles at a respectable pace. The owners of a Packard were instantly recognized as higher class individuals as the vehicles personified success in every dimension.
The Eight Series Packard's were introduced in 1930 during a rough time in American history with the stock market crisis in full force. The world's economy was in question and during this time many businesses went into bankruptcy.
Though it was customary at the time, Packard made the decision to bring all body building in house, rather than outsourcing the work. This was done to eliminate the lucrative custom coach building commissions. To increase its position in the market, the company lowered its prices considerably. The prices were dropped and continued to drop over time. Sadly, this did little to boost sales.
Finding Eight-Series Packard's with custom coach bodies is very rare. The example shown has coachwork by the Waterhouse firm. Charles Waterhouse and his son created the Waterhouse Company in 1928. Located in Webster, Massachusetts, the firm had created a Convertible Victoria body for Packard in 1928 which was later shown at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle was well received and the tight deadline that was given to Waterhouse was completed on time and done to perfection. Build quality was high and the style was astonishing. George Weaver was responsible for the design. The top was very impressive and could be folder almost flat with the low window sills.
It was delivered on November 11th of 1930 to an unknown buyer. It was delivered by R. Gonzalez & Company in Montevideo, Uruguay, Gabriel Terra. It is believed to have been constructed for the President of Uruguay, Gabriel Terra or a wealthy vintner. In the mid-Seventies it was returned to the United States where a restoration was undertaken by Tom Sparks for its then owner Mr. Jack Skarratt. It was then purchased by Mr. Bernie Ratzlaff who finished the restoration.
After its restoration it was shown at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded First in Class and was a contender for the coveted Best in Show. It later received a Classic Car Club of America National First Prize at the California Grand Classic in 1998.
It was acquired by its next owner in 2000.
This Packard is extremely rare with its gorgeous body by Waterhouse. The Waterhouse Company created around 300 custom bodies during their short lifespan which lasted until 1933. Packard sales accounted for about 100 of those custom bodies. This example is very clean, void of side mounted tires allowing the elegant body to flow without disruption.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
 |  |  | Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Chassis Num: 49197 |
| Sold for $170,000 at 2007 RM Auctions. High bid of $160,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
The Eight Series Packard's were introduced in 1930 during a rough time in American history with the stock market crisis in full force. The world's economy was in question and during this time many businesses went into bankruptcy.
Though it was customary at the time, Packard made the decision to bring all body building in house, rather than outsourcing the work. This was done to eliminate the lucrative custom coach building commissions. To increase its position in the market, the company lowered its prices considerably. The prices were dropped and continued to drop over time. Sadly, this did little to boost sales.
Finding Eight-Series Packard's with custom coach bodies is very rare. The example shown has coachwork by the Waterhouse firm. Charles Waterhouse and his son created the Waterhouse Company in 1928. Located in Webster, Massachusetts, the firm had created a Convertible Victoria body for Packard in 1928 which was later shown at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle was well received and the tight deadline that was given to Waterhouse was completed on time and done to perfection. Build quality was high and the style was astonishing. George Weaver was responsible for the design. The top was very impressive and could be folder almost flat with the low window sills.
This 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $235,000. It sold for just under the estimated value at $170,000 including buyer's premium.
It is powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The styling of the Eight Series had a strong resemblance to that of the Seven Series, though there were a number of significant changes. The transmission was redesigned for quicker, smoother shifts from third to high. The Bijur lubrication system was now automatic. Several changes were made to the shocks and springs. The radiator shutter thermostat and linkage was changed, allowing for the assembly of the thermostat from the rear of the rad and a fuel pump was specified for all models. The most dramatic styling change over the Seven Series was the front and rear fenders, which were given a one-inch deeper skirt. On the interior, the dash featured a thinner steering wheels and wide chrome instrument bezels.
This vehicle was owned by the same family since 1948. It was originally purchased in Cumberland, Pennsylvania and spent most of its days in Salisbury, Pennsylvania. It is believed that this was one of the last, if not the last, 1931 Sport Phaeton constructed and, as such, was fitted with many 1932 appointments.
This car includes a Saddle Tan leather interior and dual cowl windscreen. It is a Junior National First Prize recipient, awarded in 1992 at the AACA National Spring Meet in Newark, Delaware. It has been treated to a restoration since new and driven less than five hundred miles since that time.
In 2009, this Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The lot was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $300,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had failed to sell after reached a high bid of $160,000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
 |  |  | Sport Phaeton Chassis Num: 190898 |
| Sold for $291,500 at 2008 RM Auctions. | |||
In 2008, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It had an estimated value of $250,000 - $350,000. It was sold for $291,500 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
 |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 188801 |
In 1932 the Ninth Series was introduced. An upgrade kit was created at the same time to update the unsold 1931 and help dealers reduce inventories.
This 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Roadster has been outfitted with the upgrade kit, including the 1932-style grille, horn and bumpers. The odometer currently reads 19,187 and it has been treated to a complete restoration. The engine and transmission were overhauled in 1996-1997. The speedometer has been converted to metric gearing and the differential to high-speed gears for long-distance touring. The car has its original trunk, rack, mounted on the luggage, a single Pilot Ray driving lamp that turns with the front wheels, a cover for storage, canvas top, side curtains and full cockpit cover.
This car has rallied extensively in France, Germany, and Switzerland. In 1998 it was entered in the FIVA Paris-Reims-Burgundy-Oreleans-Paris rally. It was shown at the 2003 Concours d'Elegance at the Raid Basel in Paris where was awarded a first prize.
This car was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook where it was offered without reserve and estimated to fetch between $150,000 - $200,000. It is powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine and capable of producing 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical brakes. At auction this car was sold for $195,500, proving the estimate to be accurate.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
 |  |  | All Weather Town Car |
The car was totally restored in 1986. The car has been judged at 100 points many times and has been awarded several first in class at several concours passenger and driver's compartment, reclining events.
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 190178 |
| Sold for $159,500 at 2011 RM Auctions. | |||
For 1930, the Speedster line expanded, with the addition of a two-passenger boat-tail runabout and a victoria. There were two engines offered, a detuned 125 bhp unit and a more powerful 145 bhp with high compression head, finned manifold, larger valves and twin-choke carburetor. Top speed was over 100 miles per hour.
The Eighth Series Packards were introduced on August 14th of 1930. Deluxe Eights rode on two wheelbase sizes, a 140.5-inch platform for the open and five-passenger closed cars as well as the Individual Custom models and 145.5 for the seven-passenger sedan and sedan-limousine.
More than 6,000 Deluxe Eights were produced during the 1930 model year, followed by 2,016 the following year. The Ninth Series 1932 models were introduced in June 1931, and the factory began producing kits to update unsold 1931s to the new look to help dealers reduce inventories.
This Deluxe Eight Roadster was purchased by the current owner in the early 1970s. It is a 'black plate' California car in excellent condition. 'Black plate' refers to the California license plates of 1963-1969, which remain valid when documented to the car for which they were originally issued.
The car is fitted with chrome wire wheels, chrome side-mount covers, a rear-mounted trunk and a spot light on the driver's side.
In 2011, the car was offered for sale in Monterey, Ca. presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $175,000-$250,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $159,500, including buyer's premium.
Raymond Dietrich was the individual responsible for designing some of the great Packard masterpieces. He began working for the Packard Automobile Company in 1925 under the direction of Alvan Macauley, the president of the company at that time.
Dietrich had attended Mechanics Institue for four years developing his skills in areas such as drafting, illustrating, body surface development, and airbrushing techniques. He had also spent time at the American Banknote Company doing work as a line sketch artist. This, coupled with natural skill, creativity, and ambition were the ingredients needed to bring about the great artistic creations that help secure Packards fame in history.
Alvan Macauley commisioned Dietrich to help produce an in-house line of custom bodies, rather than having independent coachbuilders perform the work else where. This created a profitible and exclusive line of Packards, while still maintaining a reasonable price. This did not eliminate the custom coachwork done by builders such as LeBaron, Rollston, Murphy, Fleetwood, Judkins, and Holbrook; rather, it introduced a marketing strategy that was brilliant and very successful.
This 1931 Packard Eighth Series was one of the last designs Dietrich did for the Packard company. Due to reogranization and management changes, Dietrich resigned in September of 1930.
The 1931 Packards began producing in August 1930 with the 826, 833, 840, and 845. The 826 sat atop a 127.5 inch wheelbase, the 833 on a 134.5 inch wheelbase, the 840 on the 140.5 inch wheelbase, and the 845 on the 145.5 inch wheelbase. With a longer wheelbase, the 840 and 845 were built to transport seven passengers. Due to the great depression, sales were slow even with the prices marked less from the prior year.
The 1931 Packards featured larger hubcaps, deeper fender lines, thicker running boards, modified steering wheels and bumpers; different from the 1930 model year. The Delux Eights received engine modifications and in doing so, an increase in horsepower.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
Dietrich had attended Mechanics Institue for four years developing his skills in areas such as drafting, illustrating, body surface development, and airbrushing techniques. He had also spent time at the American Banknote Company doing work as a line sketch artist. This, coupled with natural skill, creativity, and ambition were the ingredients needed to bring about the great artistic creations that help secure Packards fame in history.
Alvan Macauley commisioned Dietrich to help produce an in-house line of custom bodies, rather than having independent coachbuilders perform the work else where. This created a profitible and exclusive line of Packards, while still maintaining a reasonable price. This did not eliminate the custom coachwork done by builders such as LeBaron, Rollston, Murphy, Fleetwood, Judkins, and Holbrook; rather, it introduced a marketing strategy that was brilliant and very successful.
This 1931 Packard Eighth Series was one of the last designs Dietrich did for the Packard company. Due to reogranization and management changes, Dietrich resigned in September of 1930.
The 1931 Packards began producing in August 1930 with the 826, 833, 840, and 845. The 826 sat atop a 127.5 inch wheelbase, the 833 on a 134.5 inch wheelbase, the 840 on the 140.5 inch wheelbase, and the 845 on the 145.5 inch wheelbase. With a longer wheelbase, the 840 and 845 were built to transport seven passengers. Due to the great depression, sales were slow even with the prices marked less from the prior year.
The 1931 Packards featured larger hubcaps, deeper fender lines, thicker running boards, modified steering wheels and bumpers; different from the 1930 model year. The Delux Eights received engine modifications and in doing so, an increase in horsepower.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
 |  |  | Sport Phaeton Chassis Num: 188351 Engine Num: 189820 |
| Sold for $121,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. | |||
This Sport Phaeton is fitted with chrome-plated wire wheels, a rear tonneau windshield, a stone guard, fender-mounted marker lamps with integral rear view mirrors, wind wings, dual rear-mounted spare tires, and dual windshield-mounted spotlights. It wears an older high-point frame-off restoration and has been well taken care of and seen little use since that time. It is painted in two-tone paint finish with a brown convertible top with leather binding, and chocolate brown leather interior.
This Model 840 Super Eight Sport Phaeton is powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine offering 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical brakes.
In 2009, this Super Eight was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $120,000 - $160,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $121,000, including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009
 |  |  | Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton |
In 1930 Packard was the prestige marque in America. Justly renowned for the smooth power of its eight cylinder engines, the stately ride of its quality chassis and the uniform excellence of its materials and manufacture, owning a Packard was a statement of success. More than that it was a tangible reward, recognition in comfort, quiet performance, style and luxury that the Packard owners could enjoy on a daily basis. Packard's successful advertising campaign, 'Ask the man who owns one' acknowledged, not only for their clients but also for the larger world, that Packard owners were trendsetters whose opinions mattered.Introduced in August 1930, the Eighth Series Packards reflected, but still did not fully recognize, the transformation in both the world's economy and the automobile market which was being wrought by the stock market crash of October 1929 and the ensuing economic depression. The effect of the Crash was still being assessed, and every positive development in the economy and financial markets was seized as indication that things weren't as bad as they might seem, or were going to get better. There had been no time following the Crash for Packard to make substantial changes in its models or product lines. There were alterations, however, including more power by adopting the improved cylinder block wîth larger intake and exhaust ports of 1930s 734 Speedster in the Deluxe Eights along wîth larger intake and exhaust manifolds. Vacuum tank fuel feed was replaced by a mechanical fuel pump and chassis lubrication was now automatic rather than by hand pump.
More significantly, Packard completed its long term plan of substantially consolidating all custom body building in its own coachworks. Long planned as a way of heightening Packard's market position and capturing the lucrative custom coachbuilding commissions, it instead became a way of keeping Packard staff employed as sales volumes plummeted. The financial crisis in the nation and in luxury automobiles in particular was hard to miss and Packard responded in the only way its lead times and design cycles allowed: it lowered prices. The five passenger 840 Sedan price dropped over 15 from the comparable Seventh Series model at introduction, then dropped again in September. But if it was any help the effect was invisible as sales all but stopped.
Between the Depression and Packard's consolidation of custom coachbuilding in its own shops, Eighth Series Packards wîth coachbuilt bodies are exceedingly rare. One of those favored wîth a Eighth Series commission was Waterhouse. Established only in 1928 by Charles Waterhouse and his son in Webster, Massachusetts, Waterhouse had constructed a Convertible Victoria body for Packard in 1928 for the marques' display at the Paris Show. Built on a nearly impossible schedule, it was based on a design which Waterhouse designer George Weaver created from a photograph of a similar style supplied by Packard. Subsequently, Waterhouse became renowned for its Convertible Victoria designs which employed ingenious top mechanisms that folded almost flat wîth the low window sills.
The design and execution of the Waterhouse Convertible Victorias is something special. With their low window sills and lowered rear body to clear the folded top, they are sporting but at the same time refined and elegant. Typically executed by Waterhouse on long wheelbase chassis, such as the 140 1/2 inch Packard 840, the passenger compartment ends almost exactly at the rear wheels' centerline, accenting the long, clean lines of the Packard 840 and its long, sweeping front fenders.
Firmly entrenched at the top of the luxury car market in America, Packard's reputation also was strong internationally. In 1930 Packards accounted for fully a third of all the exports of ÚS built cars valued over $2,000.
One of them was this outstanding 1931 Packard 840 Deluxe Eight wîth Convertible Victoria coachwork by Waterhouse. Delivered on November 11, 1930 by R. Gonzalez & Company in Montevideo, Úruguay, the original purchaser of this Packard is unknown. One story says it was ordered by the national government for the then-President of Úruguay, Gabriel Terra. Another recounts that it was ordered by a wealthy vintner who specified the Waterhouse Convertible Victoria body. What is known is that it returned to the ÚS in the mid-Seventies where restoration was begun by Tom Sparks in the following decade for then-owner Mr. Jack Skarratt.
Once the rolling chassis was completed, Skarratt took the car and drove it through 18 full tanks of gas while adjusting, tweaking and developing the chassis, drivetrain and brakes for perfect operation. It was then purchased by Mr. Bernie Ratzlaff who had the chassis, now somewhat used after Skarratt's driving and perfection of its operation, re-restored as well as completing restoration of the beautiful Waterhouse coachwork. When the restoration was finished it was presented at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it captured First in Class and was a contender for Best in Show. It was subsequently awarded a Classic Car Club of America National First Prize at the California Grand Classic in 1998.
Carefully preserved by its present owner since its acquisition in 2000, the 1930 Packard 840 Convertible Victoria by Waterhouse is a stylish, sporting and elegant automobile of the highest quality. Its length and the low body are accentuated by placement of its dual spare tires at the rear. Free of the incursion of sidemounted spares, the long, sweeping front fenders of the 840 are seen to best effect and it carries its chrome wire wheels wîth white sidewall tires well. A silver accent down the body side and the chrome trim along the lower body edge subtly complement the body's lines.
The brown leather trimmed interior is equally enticing. Charles Waterhouse's son Osborne had been in charge of the woodworking department of another coachbuilder and the beautifully grained wood trim atop the dash, up the windshield posts and along the window sills attests to his skills.
An automobile of rarity and distinction, this 1930 Packard 840 has been restored not only to the highest concours standards of fit and finish but also carefully developed to function superbly. It has been judged as the best of the best at Pebble Beach and in CCCA Grand National competition, then carefully maintained by succeeding owners to maintain it in pristine condition.Source - Christies
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 188875 |
| High bid of $200,000 at 2012 RM Auctions. (did not sell) | |||
Packard produced a Speedster from 1929 and 1930 followed by a rumble seat roadster for 1931, with body style number 472. It would be the final true Packard roadster, as later models would have roll-up windows.
Unfortunately, the world was entering the Great Depression and Packard sales reflected this economic hardship. Sales dropped from 28,386 in 1930 to 12,922 in 1931, sliding as far as 6,265 in 1934 before the lower price Model 120 was introduced in 1935.
Packard introduced the Ninth Series cars early on June 17th of 1931. In an attempt to sell-off their leftover Eighth series cars, the Standard Eight roadsters were cut from an introductory price fo $2,425 in September of 1930 to as little as $1,985 a year later, and salesmen would throw in wire wheels and other options to close the deal. To sweeten the deal even further, Packard even provided updating kits to make the Eighth series look like the Ninth, with V-radiator, outside horns, grille ad headlight bar and twin taillights.
The Eighth Series cars received mechanically improvements over their Seventh series siblings, thanks (in-part) to the larger intake and exhaust ports and the three-piece manifold, which featured a cylindrical heater chamber to preheat the mixture.
This Packard Rumble Seat Roadster was the recipient of a thorough and extensive restoration. It is finished in silver with a black beltline and red pin-striping. The black soft top has red piping, and the interior is well-finished in red leather, with clear gauges and well-finished wood trim. There are a number of options fitted to this vehicle, including twin side-mount spare wheels with covers and mirrors, wind wings and turning Pilot Ray driving lights on the front bumper and separate hand-held spotlights by the windshield. There is also a chrome grille guard and the radiator is crowned with the Goddess of Speed. The wire wheels have chrome spokes and painted rims and there is a rear-mounted luggage rack.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $300,000. Bidding reached $200,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012
 |  | Roadster |
The car is powered by a 120 hp, in-line 8-cylinder, 384.8 cubic-inch engine. The 4,343-pound roadster rides on a 140.5 inch wheelbase and sold new for $3,490.
This roadster received a factory upgrade to make it look like a 9th Series Packard and, therefore, easier to sell. It had a V-radiator shell and light bar. It has a 9th Series horn, bumpers and tail lights. This kit cost to the dealer $500 and the dealer's markup on these vehicles was $500 so if he could sell this leftover for list, he broke even.
In April 1932, a doctor in the Bronx bought the car for list price. That's 9 months after the introduction of the 9th Series and no roadsters were available. Many roadsters, throughout the years, were sold to fire departments for use by their chiefs. The Philadelphia fire department bought five roadsters for their battalion chiefs.
 |  |  | Sport Landaulet |
These in-house customs were marketed as Individual Customs by Packard dealers but sales never took off. Very few were made after 1931. This car, in fact, remained unsold until June 1933, when it was sold by Packard's Washington dealer.
The Deluxe Eight was powered by Packard's legendary in-line eight-cylinder motor that developed 120 horsepower from its 384.8 cubic-inch displacement.
This rare Packard was restored over a ten-year period from a 'basket case' th7at had been left in the field to rust away. It has since received top honors at Packard Automobile Club meets.
 |  |  | Convertible Coupe Engine Num: 189082 |
| Sold for $110,000 at 2013 RM Auctions. | |||
This car is finished in light and dark grey and rides on red wire wheels. There are dual side-mounts and whitewall tires. The interior is black leather and there is burl wood grain on the dashboard and window trim.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013
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
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe 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
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 | • RM Auctions returns as the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, March 9, 2013 • Single-day sale features breathtaking roster of more than 80 investment-quality collector cars • Notable highlights include an outstanding series of coachbuilt classics headlined by a multi-million-dollar 1935 Duesenberg Model SJ Walker-LaGrande Convertible Coupe and a trio of Cords from the personal collection of Jim Fasnacht • Frequently updated list of entries available online at r...[Read more...] |
| American Classics Top RM's $6.8 Million Michigan Sale | |
 | A majestic 1930 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Victoria, J272, formerly owned by noted band leader Paul Whiteman of 'Rhapsody in Blue' fame, garnered top dollar at RM's Michigan sale yesterday, selling for a strong $957,000 before a packed house. One of just 16 examples bodied with convertible Victoria coachwork by Rollston, the stunning Duesenberg led a magnificent group of top-selling American classics at the single-day sale, held in conjunction with the famed Concours d'Elegance of Americ...[Read more...] |
| Final Countdown Underway to RM's Michigan Sale | |
 | RM Auctions, the official auction house of the Concours d'Elegance of America, has secured a wonderful selection of classic automobiles for its St. John's sale, July 28, in Plymouth, Michigan. Hosted on the beautiful grounds of the Inn at St. John's, the single-day sale is a mainstay on the auction concours circuit and boasts a reputation for including exceptional American classics. The upcoming sale, featuring more than 70 quality collector cars, presents nearly a century of American and Eu...[Read more...] |
| Cherished Classics From The Pettit Collection Will Be Offered Without Reserve | |
 | • The 1929 Duesenberg 'Blue J' and 11 collector cars from the William A. C. Pettit, III Collection will be sold at Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auctions • Estate Proceeds will benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children®-Tampa Gooding & Company, the acclaimed auction house celebrated for selling the world's most significant and valuable collector cars, is honored to present the finest automobiles of the William A.C. Pettit, III Collection at its Pebble Beach Auctions on Aug...[Read more...] |
 1931
Packard
models |
| Packard Model 833 Standard Eight |
| Packard Model 845 |
| Packard TwinSix FWD V12 Prototype |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Auburn | Daimler |
| Delage | Delahaye |
| Duesenberg | Hispano Suiza |
| Hudson | Isotta |
| Peerless | Pierce Arrow |
| Talbot-Lago | Voisin |
| Packard: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Packard History |
| Other models by Packard |
| 180 200 250 3-35 Fourth Series | 300 38 645 745 | 845 Caribbean Cavalier Clipper | Custom Eight Eight Four Hundred Model 18 | Model 30 Model F One-Twenty Patrician | Six Super Deluxe Twelve |
