1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper
1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper
1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper 1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper
1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight pictures and wallpaper

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Chassis Num: 392456
 
Improvements to the Packards occured in 1935 resulting in increased horsepower and better handling. The suspension and steering were both updated making the vehicles easier to drive and more comfortable for the passengers. The exterior was given a face-lift, integrating many elements into one smooth design, such as the hood, fenders, and running boards.
In 1936 the fourteenth series recieved a new radiator which was installed at a five-degree angle. Other than that, it was basically the same to the prior year. This would be the final year for the 17 inch wire wheels.
This 1936 Packard Eight 2/4P Coupe Model 1401 has a 320 cubic-inch side valve eight-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower. It has a three-speed synchromesh transmission and four-wheel vacuum assisted mechanical brakes.
This example with chassis number 392456 was estiamated to sell between $50,000 - $70,000 at the 2006 RM Auctions at Meadow Brook. It sold for $50,600.
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Super 8 Convertible Victoria
Chassis Num: 758I97
 
This 1936 Packard Super 8 Convertible Victoria was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $150,00. The estimates were accurate as the lot was sold for $148,500.

This is a Series 1404 Super Eight fitted with an L-head eight-cylinder engine that displaces 384.4 cubic-inches and produces 150 horsepower. There is a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission and four-wheel mechanical brakes. Its wheelbase measures 139-inches and is held in place by a semi-elliptic suspension.

It has had a cosmetic coachwork restoration since new, though it is one of the more original Super 8 Models in existence. It has been driven just 3,970 miles since new. It has a period grey leather interior, correct new light tan cloth top and boot cover, and gray body paintwork. There are chrome wire wheels, cowl-mounted spot lamps, encased fender mounted spares, chrome luggage rack, golf bag door and rumble seat.
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.

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Vintage Motor Cars at Hershey
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Packard Model 1404 Super Eight
Packard Model 1407 Twelve
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