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1935 Packard 1204 Super Eight news, pictures, and information

Phaeton
Chassis Num: 851203
 
High bid of $91,000 at 2008 RM Auctions. (did not sell)
Sold for $135,000 at 2009 Leake.
In response to the Great Depression and a slowing economy, Packard had introduced the medium-priced One-Twenty model which appealed to a wider audience. The tactic worked and soon a healthy cash flow was pouring in from vehicle sales. The other line of vehicles Packard had built their reputation was still available for sale. The Twelve was a powerful and prestigious car that carried a price tag to match. With so few individuals capable of parting with the necessary funds to purchase one of these upscale vehicles, fewer than 700 units were produced.

In between the Packard Twelve and the One-Twenty models were the Eight and Super Eight models. These two series were offered with nearly identical ranges of body styles with the primary differences being the engine and the wheelbase sizes. The Eight outsold the Super Eight by a factor of three to one, perhaps due to their indistinguishable visual differences.

For 1935, the largest Packard Super Eight model was the Model 1204. It had a wheelbase that measured 139-inches and was fitted with a larger, 384 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder engine capable of producing 150 horsepower. The open bodied cars were constructed by Murray Corporation of America, though they wore a 'Dietrich' badge. The Phaetons were Packard's only true open cars without side windows.

This 1935 Packard Super Eight Five-Passenger Phaeton is the third of this style built. Its current owner has retained the car in his California-based collection for the past thirty-four years. While in the collection it has been well maintained and received continuous care. It wears an older restoration that still shows well in modern times. It is painted in light Primrose Yellow with dark brown wire wheels and a beige convertible top. There are a full set of side curtains for use in all kinds of weather conditions. The car includes dual enclosed side-mounted spare tires with dual rearview mirrors and a rear-mounted luggage rack. The interior of the car is brown leather upholstery and side panels, matching carpet, a radio, 'suicide'-type front doors, and a fold-down center armrest.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $140,000-$180,000. Bidding reached $91,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicles reserve. The lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008
Roadster Coupe
Engine Num: 755850
 
This Coupe Roadster was originally sold through Earl C. Anthony, the Bay Area dealer and California Packard distributor. Little is known of its original owner. The Super Eight was willed to a church after he passed away in the 1950s. It was then purchased by Tony Splane and after many years of preserving the car, he embarked on a complete restoration. In 1989, the car was displayed at a number of CCCA events and even earned several trophies.

The next owner was Tom Crook who later sold it to John Spencer Bradley. Upon Mr. Bradley's passing, the Packard joined the collection of David Walters who had it sent to Junior Conway of Junior's House of Color to freshen the paintwork and then to Bill Larzelere for a comprehensive detailing.

In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $140,000 - $180,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $176,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010
Coupe
 
By 1935, the United States luxury car market was disappearing. Packard built only 1,392 Super Eights and 788 Twelves. The company had introduced its medium-priced eight, the 120, and that model would dominate sales thereafter.

This Super Eight coupe was built on Packard's 139-inch wheelbase chassis; power came from the Packard's legendary 384.4 inch Packard Twelve that developed 150 horsepower.

This Packard was the recipient of a complete, off-frame restoration in 2004.
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.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
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