1934 Packard 1100 Eight

The Eleventh Series Packards of 1934 were the final models with traditional open fenders, albeit gently skirted, and the upright 'tombstone' radiator shell. The Alexis de Sakhnoffsky design featured V-shaped radiator grilles and fenders that curved downward nearly reaching the front bumper, which themselves were heavier. The other changes were more subtle, including better upholstery, a fuel filler integrated into the left tail lamp, and changes to the hood door handles, radiator caps, and running boards. The chassis had an adjustable Ride Controls suspension, Bijur automatic lubrication, an oil-temperature regulator, and an improved generator capable of powering the newly available vacuum-tube radio unit.

The Model 1100 rested on a 129.5-inch wheelbase platform with a five-passenger sedan body. The Model 1102 had a 141.25-inch wheelbase platform with sedan and seven-passenger sedan-limousine coachwork. The Model 1101 had 10 body style choices and a 136.25-inch wheelbase. These Eleventh Series Packard Eights were very important models as they helped keep the company afloat during the Great Depression until the 'Junior' models appeared in 1935. A total of 4,781 examples of the Twelfth SEries Eight were built.

The L-head, straight eight-cylinder engine was cast enblock and had a 319.2 cubic-inch displacement with a 3.2-inch bore and a 5-inch stroke. It had a single Stromberg carburetor, nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, and developed 120 bhp at 3,200 RPM. It was paired with a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a single plate clutch and a 4.35:1 standard gear ratio. Mechanical brakes were on all four wheels. Among the optional drivetrain options were a 4.07:1 gear ratio and freewheeling. Optional accessories included a deluxe radiator ornament, cigar lighter, dual side-mount spares, chrome wheel trimming, chrome-plate wheel covers, six-disc wheels, six wood wheels, six chrome wire wheels, side mirrors, and a Pelican radiator ornament.

The Eleventh Series cars were introduced on August 21st of 1933 for the 1934 model year and would remain in production through the following August. Packard customers had a vast selection, with each of the three models, Eight, Super Eight, and Twelve, available in three wheelbases, and over 40 different combinations of engines, wheelbases, and body styles, plus 17 'catalog customs' bodied by coachbuilders Dietrich and LeBaron.

Packard's share of the luxury market climbed to more than 40 percent in 1934.

Packard's 1934 model lineup included the Eight (1100, 1101, and 1102), the Super Eight (1103, 1104, and 1105), and the top-of-the-line Twelve (1106, 1107, and 1108). The 1100 had a 129.5-inch wheelbase, the 1101 on a 136.25-inch platform, and the 1102 rested on a 141.5-inch wheelbase.

The Super Eight 1103 had a 134.88-inch wheelbase, the 1104 on a 141.88-inch wheelbase, and the 1105 on a 146.8-inch wheelbase. The L-head straight-eight engine displaced 384.8 cubic inches and delivered 145 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. It had a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission and four-wheel mechanical brakes. A single plate clutch was standard and a vacuum clutch was optional.

The Packard Twelve employed a 67-degree, V-block, twelve-cylinder engine that displaced 445.5 cubic inches and produced 160 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. It had a 3-speed selective synchromesh transmission, a single dry plate clutch with vacuum assist, and mechanical, vacuum-assisted brakes at all four corners. The 1106 Series used a 134.8-inch wheelbase, the 1107 Series on a 141.8-inch platform, and the 1108 Series on a 146.8-inch wheelbase platform.

Along with factory coachwork, bodies by Dietrich and Lebaron were offered on the Super Eight and the Twelve. The Super Eight was priced from $2,950 to $7,065 and the Twelve listed for $3,960 to $7,065. A total of 1,920 examples of the Eleventh Series Super Eight were built and 960 of the Twelve.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019