1931 Packard Model 840 DeLuxe Eight Roadster

The Packard Eighth Series was introduced in 1930 with the Standard Eight engine displacing 319.2 cubic inches and producing 100 horsepower. The Deluxe Models had a 384.8 cubic-inch engine and 120 horsepower. During that year more than 6000 Deluxe Eights were produced. The following year, as The Great Depression worsened, only 2016 examples were created. Packard was soon left with a surplus of product, as the cars were left unsold.

In 1932 the Ninth Series was introduced. An upgrade kit was created at the same time to update the unsold 1931 and help dealers reduce inventories.

This 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Roadster has been outfitted with the upgrade kit, including the 1932-style grille, horn, and bumpers. The odometer currently reads 19,187 and it has been treated to a complete restoration. The engine and transmission were overhauled in 1996-1997. The speedometer has been converted to metric gearing and the differential to high-speed gears for long-distance touring. The car has its original trunk, rack, mounted on the luggage, a single Pilot Ray driving lamp that turns with the front wheels, a cover for storage, a canvas top, side curtains, and a full cockpit cover.

This car has rallied extensively in France, Germany, and Switzerland. In 1998, it was entered in the FIVA Paris-Reims-Burgundy-Oreleans-Paris rally. It was shown at the 2003 Concours d'Elegance at the Raid Basel in Paris where was awarded first prize.

This car was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook where it was offered without reserve and estimated to fetch between $150,000 - $200,000. It is powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine and is capable of producing 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical brakes. At auction this car was sold for $195,500, proving the estimate to be accurate.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011