1936 Packard Model 1402 Eight Phaeton

In the post-Great Depression era, the automakers who had survived had done so by utilizing many resources, finding ways to attract new customers, generating multi-levels of models that ranged greatly in price, and many other methods. Packard's medium-priced line in the post-Depression era was the One-Twenty and it was introduced in 1935. Sales were strong and interests were high with over 55,000 examples produced providing much-needed cash flow in the weary market. The top-of-the-line Packard was the Twelve, which ranged from $3,820 to $6,435. Sales were modest with around 700 units produced. In the middle were the Eight and Super Eight models. They both had nearly identical body styles with the main differences being found under the bonnet. The Eight cost less and outsold the Super Eight three to one.

In keeping with Packard's naming scheme, the 1936 models were the Fourteenth Series. There were 17 body styles available on three wheelbases. The largest was the Series 1402 which rested on a 139-inch wheelbase that is shared with its Super Eight counterparts. All 1402 Packards seated either seven or eight passengers, except for the convertible sedan.

Though the 1936 open cars were bodied by the Murray Corporation, they wore a 'Dietrich' emblem in honor of the famous designer, Raymond Dietrich.

For Packard in 1936, the Phaetons were the only true open-bodied cars, as they were void of any side windows. This example is a Series 1402 long-wheelbase Phaeton with body style 910. The current owner purchased the car at Hershey in 2004. The prior owner had restored the car over a four-year period of time and had it painted in Thistle Green Dark and upholstered in dark green leather. The original owner, a Pennsylvania resident, had owned the car until 1952, when it was sold to a New York resident, and kept in his care until 1999.

The car traveled 57,000 miles prior to the restoration. During the restoration, the odometer was set back to zero. It now reads 178. In 2008 it was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it had an estimated value of $175,000-$225,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for $187,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008