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1937 Packard 1501 Super Eight news, pictures, and information | ||
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There were two 'Senior' Packard lines for 1937, and the Super Eight was one of them. Half of Packard's employees spent their time building the 7,093 premium series Packard Super Eights and Twelves for 1937. The other employees were tasked with assembling more than ten times as many much less costly 'junior' 120 Eights and 110 Sixes. Packard produced only 170 Super Eight 150 models with a list price of $2,680.
This 1937 Packard Super Eight rides on a 134-inch wheelbase and has an L-head Packard Eight under its long bonnet. The highly regarded 320 cubic-inch displacement engine produces 135 horsepower. The Sport Coupe listed for $2,450 and included a rumble seat. This example is equipped with an optional Packard trunk. It has been in the owner's collection for a decade and is believed to be one of only 19 that still survive and one of three restored.
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The car sits on a 134-inch wheelbase, weighs 4,580 pounds and sold for $2,680.
The car is powered by Packard's most powerful in-line eight-cylinder engine. It has a 320-cubic inch displacement and develops 135 horsepower.
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
For more information and related vehicles, click hereIn 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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 1937
Packard
models |
| Packard 115-C Six |
| Packard 120 |
| Packard 120CD |
| Packard 1500 Super Eight |
| Packard 1502 Super Eight |
| Packard 1507 Twelve |
| Packard 1508 Twelve |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Auburn | Daimler |
| Delage | Delahaye |
| Duesenberg | Hispano Suiza |
| Hudson | Isotta |
| Peerless | Pierce Arrow |
| Talbot-Lago | Voisin |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1937 |
| Packard 1508 Twelve ($3,900-$5,923) |
| Cord 812 ($2,500-$3,600) |
| Lincoln Model K ($4,450-$7,050) |
Average Auction Sale: $60,720 |
| Packard: 1931-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Packard History |
| Other models by Packard |
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| 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 |
| 1938 1604 Super Eight | 1938 1605 Super Eight | 1938 Super Eight |
