1938 Packard 1604 Super Eight

Known by Packard aficionados as the Sixteenth Series, the 1938 Super Eight quickly became the best-selling Packard of the era. Packard survived the Depression reasonably well due to the fact that it diversified its offerings; while many of its competitors were building only V12 engines, Packard realized that the cheaper-to-build 8-cylinder motor could be equally smooth and powerful, so it continued to offer both Eights and Twelves on different chassis.

The 1938 Packard Super Eight consisted of the Series 1603, 1604, and 1605. The Series 1603 had a 127-inch wheelbase, the Series 1604 rested on a 134-inch platform, and the Series 1605 measured 139 inches. All three shared the 320 cubic-inch L-head straight-eight engine which had 130 horsepower. This engine would continue for another year, before being replaced in 1940 by a 356 cubic-inch unit with 160 horsepower.

Mechanical changes were minimal for 1938. Stopping power was handled by hydraulic brakes and the transmission was a floor shift three-speed selective synchromesh unit. Many of the visual changes were also made to Packard's Junior models. One of the prominent changes to appearance was the split vee windshield with chrome dividing the split windows. Standard equipment included a cigar lighter and an electric clock.

For 1938, the Packard Super Eight was a versatile vehicle offered in three wheelbase sizes and powered by a smooth engine. They were luxurious and highly refined, fitted with luxurious coachwork, and powered by proven engineering.

By this point in history, Packard's 'junior' Six and One-Twenty lines accounted for the majority of the company's sales. 30,050 examples of the Packard Six were produced in 1938 (introduced in September of 1937) and 22,624 examples of the Packard Eight were built (Series 1601, 1601D, and 1602 - introduced in September of 1937). Total Super Eight production (Series 1603, 1604, and 1605) for 1937 was 2,478.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019