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1935 Packard 1203 Super Eight

The 1930s sent Packard in two different directions, moving both further up and down the market. The re-introduction of the twelve-cylinder Packard catered to the elite clientele while the Packard Light Eight of 1932 and the Packard One Twenty of 1935 were intended for the mid-market customer. While the Light Eight failed to gain the popularity Packard intended, the One Twenty struck the right accord, greatly increasing Packard's production and generating the necessary influx of financial resources needed to remain in business. Positioned between these two were the Eight and Super Eight with wheelbase sizes nearly equal to the larger Twelve. The Eight was seven inches larger in its wheelbase than the One Twenty, measuring 127 inches for the Eight Series 1200. The Series 1201 had a 132-inch wheelbase and the Series 1202 measured 139 inches. A commercial chassis of 160 inches was also available.

The eight-cylinder engine powering the Packard One Twenty was a 256.16 cubic-inch straight-8 with five main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, a Stromberg carburetor, a standard 6.5:1 compression ratio, and delivering 110 horsepower. It used a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a dry plate clutch and floor shift controls. Hydraulic brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power.

The Twelfth Series Packard Eight (Series 1200, 1201, and 1202) came equipped with a 320 cubic-inch, L-head, straight-8 engine with a roller cam, Stromberg-Duplex carburetor, nine main bearings, a standard 6.5:1 compression ratio, and delivering 130 horsepower (an increase of 10 hp over the previous year). The engine came standard with aluminum cylinder heads and was placed in an X-member chassis that was extended to form boxed side rails which meant the previous tubular front cross member was no longer needed.

Aerodynamics and sleek appearances had swept the industry, with some manufacturers employing radical interpretations of the aircraft-inspired designs, while Packard's implementation was modest and tasteful, adding a five-degree slant to the radiator and pontoon fenders. The rake of the radiator and windshield continued to increase into the late 1930s, adding an even sleeker and more aerodynamic appearance. Vertical slats in the radiator grille opened and closed to vary airflow to the engine radiator, allowing for optimal engine operating temperature in both hot and cold climates.

Along with factory coachwork, the Eight was available with custom creations by LeBaron. Prices ranged from the low-$2000s to the mid-$3,000s. The LeBaron coachwork was higher, often exceeding the $5,000 range.

The Twelfth Series Super Eight received the same chassis and engineering refinements as the Eight, and its 384.4 cubic-inch straight-8 engine had many similarities to its 320 CID sibling, but with the larger displacement, 6.3:1 compression, and 150 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. Both the Eight and Super Eight had mechanical brakes on four wheels, while the Twelve used mechanical vacuum assist brakes. The Super Eight Series 1203 rested on a 132-inch wheelbase, the 1204 measured 139 inches, and the Series 1205 was 144 inches. Again, a commercial chassis was available with a 165-inch wheelbase.

Packard Super Eight 1203
The Packard Super Eight 1203 rested on a 132-inch wheelbase, similar in size to the Packard Twelve Series 1206 which had a 132.5-inch platform. (The Series 1207 measured 139.25 inches and the Series 1208 at 144.25 inches). The Series 1203 was offered solely as a five-passenger sedan (body number 843) and priced at $2,990. The front and rear door hinges were at the rear (one of the final years for the exposed door hinges) and a trunk bulge was in the back. The optional side-mounted spare tires were incorporated into the front fender, with adequate (albeit slightly) room for the front door to open.

With its smaller size and potent 150 horsepower engine, the Series 1203 was arguably the sportiest Packard in the lineup. The Twelve produced 175 horsepower (twenty-five more than the Super 8) but its four additional cylinders contributed to it being around 500 pounds heavier (the Packard Super 8 Sedan weighed around 5,030 pounds and the Packard Twelve Phaeton weighed 5,475 pounds - the Super-8 had a power to weight ratio of 0.03 hp/lb, equalling the Twelve's ratio of 0.032 hp/lb).

The Packard Twelve production ended with the Seventeenth Series 1939 model, leaving the 1940 Packard Custom Super-8 One-Eight as the new top-of-the-line model. By this point in history, its engine displaced 356 cubic inches and developed 160 horsepower. Packard would continue to use eight-cylinder power through its eventual demise in 1958. A six-cylinder engine was used briefly, from 1937 through 1942 - and during 1947. 1948 through 1958 production Packard vehicles were solely powered by eight-cylinder power.

Packard produced approximately 814 examples of the Super 8 (combined total of 1203, 1204, and 1205) for 1935.


by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2021

Related Reading : Packard Eight History

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.....
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1935 Packard 1203 Super Eight Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1935 1203 Super Eight
$3,000-$6,031,000
1935 Packard 1203 Super Eight Base Price : $3,000

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1935 Packard Models
$3,800 - $6,400

Super Eight

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
788
142.00 in., 142.50 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 145.00hp
$2,800 - $3,650
1,920
142.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 145.00hp
$3,000 - $3,825
1,920
147.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 145.00hp
$3,300 - $7,060
132.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.40 CID., 150.00hp
$3,000 - $3,000
139.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.40 CID., 150.00hp
$3,000 - $5,700
4,781
134.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.40 CID., 150.00hp
$2,400 - $5,500
1,330
139.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 150.00hp
$2,900 - $5,820
3,973
134.00 in., 139.00 in.
8 cyl., 320.00 CID., 130.00hp
$2,560 - $5,240
3,973
139.00 in.
8 cyl., 320.00 CID., 130.00hp
$2,470 - $5,400
144.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 150.00hp
$3,690 - $4,010
127.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 150.00hp
$2,385 - $2,385

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