1931 Packard Model 840 DeLuxe Eight Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton

The Packard Company built a tradition and reputation for style, durability, quality, and reliability. The eight-cylinder engine was very refined for the 1930 era. It was smooth, quiet, and capable of carrying the vehicles at a respectable pace. The owners of a Packard were instantly recognized as higher class individuals as the vehicles personified success in every dimension.

The Eight Series Packards were introduced in 1930 during a rough time in American history with the stock market crisis in full force. The world's economy was in question and during this time many businesses went into bankruptcy.

Though it was customary at the time, Packard made the decision to bring all body building in-house, rather than outsourcing the work. This was done to eliminate the lucrative custom coach-building commissions. To increase its position in the market, the company lowered its prices considerably. The prices dropped and continued to drop over time. Sadly, this did little to boost sales.

Finding Eight-Series Packard with custom coach bodies is very rare. The example shown has coachwork by the Waterhouse firm. Charles Waterhouse and his son created the Waterhouse Company in 1928. Located in Webster, Massachusetts, the firm had created a Convertible Victoria body for Packard in 1928 which was later shown at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle was well received and the tight deadline that was given to Waterhouse was completed on time and done to perfection. The build quality was high and the style was astonishing. George Weaver was responsible for the design. The top was very impressive and could be folder almost flat with the low window sills.

This 1931 Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $235,000. It sold for just under the estimated value of $170,000 including the buyer's premium.

It is powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head eight-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The styling of the Eight Series had a strong resemblance to that of the Seven Series, though there were a number of significant changes. The transmission was redesigned for quicker, smoother shifts from third to high. The Bijur lubrication system was now automatic. Several changes were made to the shocks and springs. The radiator shutter thermostat and linkage were changed, allowing for the assembly of the thermostat from the rear of the rad, and a fuel pump was specified for all models. The most dramatic styling change over the Seven Series was the front and rear fenders, which were given a one-inch deeper skirt. On the interior, the dash featured thinner steering wheels and wide chrome instrument bezels.

This vehicle was owned by the same family since 1948. It was originally purchased in Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and spent most of its days in Salisbury, Pennsylvania. It is believed that this was one of the last, if not the last, 1931 Sport Phaeton constructed and, as such, was fitted with many 1932 appointments.

This car includes a Saddle Tan leather interior and dual cowl windscreen. It is a Junior National First Prize recipient, awarded in 1992 at the AACA National Spring Meet in Newark, Delaware. It has been treated to a restoration since new and was driven less than five hundred miles since that time.

In 2009, this Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The lot was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $300,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $160,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011