1937 Packard 1501 Super Eight Coupe

Packard entered the Classic era with a new straight-eight engine replacing its early V12. This milestone engine used a unique crankshaft design and firing order that balanced the reciprocating forces and eliminated vibration. It was lighter than the V12, providing more power, and better fuel economy and the inline configuration was compatible with the 'long hood' design themes that would be characteristic of the Classic era.

There were two 'Senior' Packard lines for 1937, and the Super Eight was one of them. Half of Packard's employees spent their time building the 7,093 premium series Packard Super Eights and Twelves for 1937. The other employees were tasked with assembling more than ten times as many much less costly 'junior' 120 Eights and 110 Sixes. Packard produced only 170 Super Eight 150 models with a list price of $2,680.

This 1937 Packard Super Eight rides on a 134-inch wheelbase and has an L-head Packard Eight under its long bonnet. The highly regarded 320 cubic-inch displacement engine produces 135 horsepower. The Sport Coupe listed for $2,450 and included a rumble seat. This example is equipped with an optional Packard trunk. It has been in the owner's collection for a decade and is believed to be one of only 19 that still survive and one of three restored.