1937 Packard 1500 Super Eight

Packard vehicles enjoyed a steady evolution of styling and engineering during the 1930s, with streamlined 'envelope' designs introduced for 1935, and 1937 brought such advancements as Packard's first independent front suspension, a modern system that utilized wishbones and coil springs, and hydraulic brakes. The Packards offered a supple ride, exceptional road-holding and stopping power, and light steering.

Packard's 15th Series was introduced on September 3rd of 1936, and its range included 50 models and body styles, including the attractively priced Six (115-C) and the One Twenty, accounting for ninety percent of its sales. Packard produced a record 109,518 cars, a number the company had never attained before, nor would ever achieve again.

The Packard Twelve continued to serve as the top-of-the-line model, equipped with a 473.3 cubic-inch engine delivering 175 horsepower and backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission. Introduced in 1932, the Twelve remained in production through 1939, built on the company's largest platform, priced well above the Junior models, and never built in significant quantities guaranteeing its exclusivity.

Positioned between the Junior Packards and the Twelve was the Super Eight equipped with a 320 cubic-inch straight-eight L-head engine with nine main bearings, a Stromberg carburetor, and delivering 135 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. Three wheelbase sizes were available, with the Series 1500 resting on a 127-inch platform, the Series 1501 measuring 134 inches, and the Series 1502 on a 139-inch wheelbase. A commercial chassis, measuring 165 inches at its wheelbase, was also available.

Comparatively, the Packard Six had a wheelbase of 115 inches and the One Twenty of 120 inches. The Packard Twelve stretched 132.25-, 139.25-, and 144.25-inches. The 237 cubic-inch inline-6 powering the Six delivered 100 horsepower, and the 282 CID L-head straight-8 in the One Twenty offered 120 bhp.

The Bijur lubrication system of the previous year did not return for 1937, and rear-hinged doors were also dropped. The bumpers were new and the radiator was positioned at a 30-degree slant. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power. Optional equipment included a radio, heater and defroster, side-mount spare tires, and a spotlight.

The 127-inch wheelbase was offered solely as a five-passenger sedan priced at $2,335. The 134-inch platform of the Series 1501 included eight body styles including a coupe, five-passenger rumble seat coupe, coupe roadster, club sedan, touring sedan, formal sedan, convertible victoria, and an All-Weather Cabriolet by LeBaron. Prices ranged from $2,420 to $3,235. The custom coachwork by LeBaron was even higher, tipping the scales at $4,850. The Series 1502 on the 139-inch wheelbase contained six body styles with prices that began at $2,705 for the touring sedan and rose to nearly $5,000 for the Town Car by LeBaron. Other body styles included convertible sedan, business sedan, touring limousine, and business limousine. Except for the five-passenger convertible sedan, the Series 1502 provided seating for up to seven or eight occupants, depending on the body style.

Packard produced 5,793 examples of its Fifteenth Series Super Eight with production lasting from September of 1936 through September 1937. Packard's Super Eight would remain part of the lineup from 1933 through 1951. The entire Packard lineup was renamed for 1951 with the Super Eight renamed 400.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2021