conceptcarz.com

1934 Packard 1105 Super Eight

History

The Packard Motor Company relied on making luxurious cars that were highly refined, fitted with luxurious coachwork, and powered by proven engineering. This belief had placed them among the elite in the auto industry during the early 1900s. As the world entered the Great Depression, the Packard Company was one of the few that managed to survive. In fact, they outsold all of their competitors combined. They had entered the Depression in excellent financial health and they emerged with strong financial footing. But the post-Depression era had them worried, as the number of potential buyers had dwindled as fortunes were lost. Production had dropped nearly half each year when compared with the previous, from 1929 to 1933. In response to the decline, Packard continued to make improvements each year.

In 1932, Packard introduced their Ninth Series. It featured many improvements that helped segregate it from other automakers in the industry. Improvements included a revised steering geometry which made steering smooth and easy. Braking was equally as easy thanks to the new driver-adjustable power-assisted braking system. The shifting action and clutch were improved making driving a very enjoyable activity. The driver's workload was eased even further with the spark advance and automatic choke.

By making these changes they attracted a growing segment of buyers and drivers - women.

The 1933 Packard's were called the Tenth Series cars as the company still refused to adopt the convention of the model year system which called for new cars to be introduced in September or October to coincide with the auto show schedules. The following year, they reluctantly joined with other manufacturers which resulted in a short run for the tenth series, lasting just seven months. The new Packard model line was introduced in the fall. Because of the seven-month production lifespan of the Tenth Series, very few were produced making them very rare in modern times.

The Tenth Series were given a new X-braced frame, dual coil ignition, and downdraft carburetors. The styling was updated with skirted fenders and a 'V'-shaped radiator shell. The interior featured upgraded trim and a new aircraft-inspired dash.

Packard continued to offer three chassis, the Eight, Super Eight, and the Twelve. The Super Eight and Twelve both rested on a wheelbase that measured 142 inches and had a hood that was nearly six inches longer than the Eight. The fenders were longer as well.

The bodies on the Twelve's and Super Eight were interchangeable, with the Super Eight featuring an eight-cylinder engine while the Twelve featured a twelve-cylinder engine. During this time, Packard also produced the Eight, which had a smaller wheelbase size and an eight-cylinder engine. The Super Eight and Twelve differed by interior appointments and engine size. The bodies were constructed of wood and steel.

In 1936 Packard was producing their Fourteenth Series as the number thirteen had been skipped. It is believed that thirteen was not used due to superstitious reasons. The Fourteenth Series was the last year for Bijur lubrication, ride control, a semi-elliptic suspension, mechanical brakes, heavy vibration dampening bumpers, and the 384.4 cubic-inch straight-eight engine. It was also the last year for the option of wire or wood wheels.

In 1936 the fourteenth series received a new radiator which was installed at a five-degree angle. The Super 8 had a new sloped grille with chrome vertical bars which gave the vehicle a unique look and served as thermostatically controlled shutters that opened or closed based on engine heat. The headlight trim, fender styling, and hood vents saw minor changes. A new Delco-Remy ignition system was the new update for 1936 under the bonnet.

For 1936 there were a total of 1,492 Super Eights constructed.


By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008

1934 Packard 1105 Super Eight Vehicle Profiles

1934 Packard 1105 Super Eight vehicle information
Convertible Victoria

Coachwork: Dietrich
1934 Packard 1105 Super Eight vehicle information
Hunting Car

Coachwork: McAvoy & Son
Chassis #: 753112

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$160-$3,300
1934 Packard 1105 Super Eight
$7,060-$14,000
1934 Packard 1105 Super Eight Price Range: $3,300 - $7,060

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1934 Packard Models
$4,200 - $14,000
$4,590 - $6,800

Super Eight

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
788
142.00 in., 142.50 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 145.00hp
$2,800 - $3,650
1,920
142.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 145.00hp
$3,000 - $3,825
1,920
147.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 145.00hp
$3,300 - $7,060
132.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.40 CID., 150.00hp
$3,000 - $3,000
139.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.40 CID., 150.00hp
$3,000 - $5,700
4,781
134.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.40 CID., 150.00hp
$2,400 - $5,500
1,330
139.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 150.00hp
$2,900 - $5,820
3,973
134.00 in., 139.00 in.
8 cyl., 320.00 CID., 130.00hp
$2,560 - $5,240
3,973
139.00 in.
8 cyl., 320.00 CID., 130.00hp
$2,470 - $5,400
144.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 150.00hp
$3,690 - $4,010
127.00 in.
8 cyl., 384.80 CID., 150.00hp
$2,385 - $2,385

Related Automotive News

Bugatti W16 Engine – the last of its kind

Bugatti W16 Engine – the last of its kind

The 8.0-liter W16 engine has been propelling Bugattis hyper sports cars for almost 20 years. The only 16-cylinder engine in the world to be used in a car, it is a veritable engineering masterpiece that has become an icon in its own right. This look...
Past Best of Show Winners at The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Past Best of Show Winners at The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

overview1 The 70th anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance was celebrated with a spectacular display of previous Best of Show winners. Thirty-seven examples graced the showfield and many were still with the same owners who raised the trophy...

HILTON HEAD ISLAND MOTORING FESTIVAL & CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE PRESENTS 2015 PINNACLE AND HONORED COLLECTORS

Fred Guyton collection to feature 2014 Pebble Beach Concours Best in Class winner William Tom Gerrard recognized for Post-War collection and key Concours contributions HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Each year, the Hilton Head Isla...
RM Auctions Amelia Island Preview - 2014

RM Auctions Amelia Island Preview - 2014

0 RM Auctions, the worlds largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, will hold its Amelia Island, Florida, sale on March 8th at the Ritz-Carlton. As the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours dElegance, RMs...
Magnificent Series of Coachbuilt Classics To Grace RM's Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Sale

Magnificent Series of Coachbuilt Classics To Grace RM's Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance Sale

RM Auctions returns as the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours dElegance, March 9, 2013 Single-day sale features breathtaking roster of more than 80 investment-quality collector cars Notable highlights include an outstanding s...