1931 Packard Model 833 Standard Eight Sport Phaeton

This Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was a birthday present for seventeen-year-old Jonas Homer Edwards on May 27th, 1931. Mr. Edwards would keep the car for 42 years, using it sparingly and never in the rain. It was passed to a friend in 1973 with just over 25,000 miles registered on the odometer. Edwards' friend sold it in 1978 to Larry Bailey of Buford, Georgia, who entered it in that year's Glidden Tour where it was awarded the trophy for 'Best Unrestored Car.'

By the mid-1990s this Packard was in the ownership of Bruce Male of Swampscott, Maine, who displayed it in various shows before selling it to the present owner.

In 2009, the Model 833 was on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the Pre-War Preservation Class. RM Restorations gave the car a total mechanical check-over and sympathetic refurbishment. It participated in the 1000-mile run in the Tour d'Elegance without any trouble. On concours day, the car won a white ribbon in the Pre-War Preservation Class and the F.I.V.A. Trophy which the Federation Internationale des Vehicules Anciens only awards to one automobile in the Preservation Class.

This is likely the most original classic Packard. It has just over 29,000 miles on the odometer and still has its original paint, striping, monograms, interior, top, trunk-fitted luggage, and as-new side curtains.

The engine is a 319 cubic-inch eight-cylinder unit capable of producing 100 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and a rear-mounted trunk.

In 2009, this Super Eight was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $140,000 - $160,000. Bidding reached $120,000 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve. The lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2011