1934 Packard 1104 Super Eight

Automobile manufacturers were one of the hardest-hit segments of the Great Depression, especially those who built luxury vehicles. Packard was one of America's premier manufacturers of prestigious vehicles that saw its sales cut in half every year from 1929 to 1933. Despite the drastic loss of revenue, the design and engineering developments continued year-after-year, continuing to offer customers the finest in quality and craftsmanship.

For 1934, Packard expanded its catalogue, from six models resting on five wheelbases to nine models on six wheelbases, giving buyers 41 different combinations of engines, wheelbases, and body styles. The Eleventh Series were given new fender contours, with the fronts curving downward reaching nearly to the front fender. Additional changes were made to the hood door handles, running boards, better upholstery, radiator caps, and a fuel filler integrated into the left tail lamp. The front bumper was updated with wind slots to simulate a split-bar design, and the fenders were redesigned to create deeper fender skirting and to conceal the inner anti-drip rails. Additionally, wind-splits were added to the hood louvers.

The 1934 Packard Super Eight Series incorporated several new innovations and improvements including the addition of an oil temperature regulator, the relocation of the fuel filler to the left rear taillight assembly, and a heavier-duty generator to cope with the optional radio.

The Super Eight models were offered on three different wheelbase sizes including a 135-inch platform for the 1103 series sedan, and the long 147-inch wheelbase for the seven-passenger 1105 sedan and limousines, and the 142-inch for the eleventh body styles of the Series 1104. The 1104 offered the same body styles as the previous lineup, however, the seven-passenger sedan and the sedan limousine were moved to the larger 1105 series. The 1105 Series also wore all of the custom bodies on the Twelve Series, except for the Sport Coupe by Packard and the LeBaron Sport Runabout. Most of the Super Eight sales were from the 1103 Series sedan that was offered at a new and lower price of $2,350.

Power was supplied by an L-head straight-eight engine displacing 384.8 cubic inches and offering 145 horsepower. A regulator located under the hood monitored and controlled oil temperature, allowing the use of the same viscosity lubricant year-round. A larger pump, an oil pressure regulator, and the first full-flow oil filter further ensured smooth operation.

There was a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission and mechanical brakes on all wheels. A Ride Control level, operated by the driver, adjusted the resistance of the hydraulic shocks from soft and cushy to a much firmer setting to tighten handling.

The total model year production of the Super Eights (including the 1103, 1104, and 1105) was 1,920 units.

The Eleventh Series Packards were the final models with traditional open fenders, albeit gently skirted, and the traditional upright radiator shell.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019