1937 Packard 1502 Super Eight Convertible Sedan

For 1935, Packard introduced their extensively redesigned cars and offered major improvements in their top-of-the-line Packards. Improvements to the suspension, steering, and even more horsepower made the cars easier to drive and offered more comfort. The bodies were new and included true envelop styling, and for the first time, the car was designed as a whole, with a body, hood, fenders, and running boards integrated into one design.

1937 saw the first major update to the new senior cars with one of the main changes being the addition of a front independent suspension. This system was modern, utilizing coil springs and wishbones. Another major improvement was the hydraulic brakes. Most of the bodies were now built in-house, as the Great Depression had greatly reduced the custom coachwork craft.

This Super 8 Packard is a Convertible Sedan body-style 1063 that had an original price tag of $3,350. The current owner purchased the car from Mr. John Leopold, who had previously commissioned a nut-and-bolt professional restoration. The work has been rewarded with numerous Best of Show awards. The current owner has displayed it in a museum in New Zealand since its acquisition.

In 2009, this Convertible Sedan was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $180,000 - $220,000. As bidding came to a close the lot had been sold for the sum of $143,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009