1936 Packard Model 1401 Eight Sedan

Packard Motor Company, the leading luxury car maker for the first four decades, began producing cars in 1899 in Ohio, moving to Detroit shortly thereafter. When the new, 3.5-million-square-foot factory opened on Grand Boulevard in Detroit in 1903, it was the largest and most modern manufacturing facility of its day.

Packard's strategy for dealing with the depression was to build even more opulent and expensive cars, like the 1404. They soon found that they needed a smaller, less-expensive line to sustain sales. The famous Series 120 was the result. By 1935 the big cars and the medium-priced cars were in balance.

The 1936 Packard 1404 models were among the large, expensive models, and all have a 320 cubic-inch, side-valve, straight-eight engine. It produces 130 horsepower and is mated to a three-speed, synchromesh transmission. It also features vacuum-assisted brakes all around. The 1936 model was the last for Bijur lubrication, ride control, semi-elliptic suspension, 17-inch wire wheels, and mechanical valves.

This rare 1401 straight-eight, 5-passenger sedan was number 93 of a mere 100 built. It was built on April 29, 1936, and delivered to the Frankford Packard Company in Philadelphia. Many of the large-bodied Packards of the day had custom-built coachwork, but this one was built by Packard in the Detroit plant.

At some point, it was sold to a California collector. Thereafter it went to Seattle where it received a body off restoration. After additional stints in California and Michigan, it was acquired by the current owner.