1931 Packard Model 840 DeLuxe Eight Roadster

On August 14th of 1930, Packard introduced their Eighth series and gave them the designation, the 826, 833, 840, and 845, with large hubcaps, three-spoke steering wheel, and deeper sweeping fenders with plain bumper clamps.

Packard produced a Speedster from 1929 and 1930 followed by a rumble seat roadster for 1931, with body style number 472. It would be the final true Packard roadster, as later models would have roll-up windows.

Unfortunately, the world was entering the Great Depression and Packard sales reflected this economic hardship. Sales dropped from 28,386 in 1930 to 12,922 in 1931, sliding as far as 6,265 in 1934 before the lower-price Model 120 was introduced in 1935.

Packard introduced the Ninth Series cars early on June 17th of 1931. In an attempt to sell off their leftover Eighth series cars, the Standard Eight roadsters were cut from an introductory price fo $2,425 in September of 1930 to as little as $1,985 a year later, and salesmen would throw in wire wheels and other options to close the deal. To sweeten the deal even further, Packard even provided updating kits to make the Eighth series look like the Ninth, with a V-radiator, outside horns, grille ad headlight bar, and twin taillights.

The Eighth Series cars received mechanical improvements over their Seventh series siblings, thanks (in-part) to the larger intake and exhaust ports and the three-piece manifold, which featured a cylindrical heater chamber to preheat the mixture.

This Packard Rumble Seat Roadster was the recipient of a thorough and extensive restoration. It is finished in silver with a black beltline and red pin-striping. The black soft top has red piping, and the interior is well-finished in red leather, with clear gauges and well-finished wood trim. There are a number of options fitted to this vehicle, including twin side-mount spare wheels with covers and mirrors, wind wings and turning Pilot Ray driving lights on the front bumper, and separate hand-held spotlights by the windshield. There is also a chrome grille guard and the radiator is crowned with the Goddess of Speed. The wire wheels have chrome spokes and painted rims and there is a rear-mounted luggage rack.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $300,000. Bidding reached $200,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012