1937 Packard 1502 Super Eight news, pictures, and information

View more photos
Convertible Sedan
Chassis Num: 1063282

For 1935, Packard introduced their extensively redesigned cars and offered major improvements in their top-of-the-line Packards. Improvements to the suspension, steering an even more horsepower made the cars easier to drive and offering more comfort. The bodies were new and included true envelop styling, and for the first time, the car was designed as a whole, with body, hood, fenders, and running boards integrated into one design.

1937 saw the first major update to the new senior cars with one of the main changes being the addition of a front independent suspension. This system was modern, utilizing coil springs and wishbones. Another major improvement was the hydraulic brakes. Most of the bodies were now built in-house, as the Great Depression had greatly reduced the custom coachwork craft.

This Super 8 Packard is a Convertible Sedan body-style 1063 that had an original price tag of $3,350. The current owner purchased the car from Mr. John Leopold, who had previously commissioned a nut-and-bolt professional restoration. The work has been rewarded with numerous Best of Show awards. The current owner has display it in a museum in New Zealand since its acquisition.

In 2009, this Convertible Sedan was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $180,000 - $220,000. As bidding came to a close the lot had been sold for the sum of $143,000 including buyer's premium.

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.

Vehicle Spotlight

1937 Packard models
Packard 115-C Six
Packard 120C
Packard 120CD
Packard 1500 Super Eight
Packard 1501 Super Eight
Packard 1507 Twelve
Packard 1508 Twelve
Packard Twelve Coupe
Packard Twelve Victoria

Packard: 1931-1940

Similar Automakers

Packard History

Other models by Packard