1934 Packard 1101 Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton

The Model Eight Packard was a valuable and long-produced model for the Packard marque, though it carried various names throughout its production lifespan. By 1933 the Standard Eight was renamed to the Eight. It received a boost in horsepower to 120 thanks, in part, to the dual downdraft Stromberg carburetors. Standard wire wheels were now offered as standard equipment.

These Tenth Series of cars were in production for only seven months, before they were replaced on August 21st of 1933 by the new Eleventh Series. The designs were very similar with the major improvements being to the vehicle's mechanical components. These were necessary updates as the industry was constantly improving its products in an effort to remain in business during the difficult Great Depression era.

The Eleventh Series Packard included an oil temperature regulator which allowed for the use of the same oil viscosity number throughout the year. It regulated the temperature of the oil to suit the various driving conditions. The oil pressure could now be adjusted from outside the engine bay. The gas filler was built into the left rear taillight assembly. The engine now had a steel-back, babbit-lined crankshaft bearings.

The improvements to the design were more gradual. The 1934 Packards had many design features that could be found in their siblings from prior years.

This 1934 Packard Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $140,000 - $180,000 and offered without reserve. It sold for slightly more than the estimates, settling at $187,000 including the buyer's premium.

This is an 1101 Dual Cowl Phaeton that was given a complete frame-off restoration in the late 1970s. In 1979 it won an AACA award. The restoration has held up well over time. It is painted in silver with dark red fenders and bright red wire wheels. The sand-colored top is equally in good condition.

Packard produced 5,210 Eights in 1934 with 34 being Phaetons.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007