1937 Packard 1501 Super Eight

The Packard Twin Six (twelve-cylinder) model arrived in 1916 and would remain part of the catalog into the 1920s, soon joined by a lower-priced six-cylinder (Single Six) model to diversify its lineup. The large V-12 was discontinued in 1923, and an inline-8 (Single Eight) joined the inline-6 in 1924. By 1929, the company's sole source of power was from a straight-eight engine in both 319.2 and 384.4 cubic-inch displacement sizes. As the cylinder wars of the early 1930s escalated, Packard re-introduced its Twin Six model, this time equipped with a cast-iron monobloc, aluminum alloy prisons, four main bearings, zero lash automatic valve silencers, a Stromberg-Duplex carburetor, and 445.5 cubic-inch displacement size.

Packard's efforts to move downmarket in 1935 with its One Twenty model proved popular, helping to convince the manufacturer to move even further downmarket in 1937 with the re-introduction of a six-cylinder model. Sales of the large and luxurious twelve-cylinder model remained exclusive and continued to champion the company's ability to cater to the luxury car segment. A total of 1,300 examples of the range-topping Twelve was built in 1937, compared to the 30,050 examples of the Packard Six and the 50,100 of the One Twenty. Positioned between these two were Packard's Super Eight models available with either a 127-, 134-, or 139-inch wheelbase platform (a commercial chassis of 165 inches was also available.

The Packard Six was priced from $795 to $1,300, the One Twenty was from $1,130 to $2,050, and the Packard Twelve was from $3,500 to $5,900. The Packard Super Eight ranged from $2,330 to $5,000.

The L-head, straight-8, 320 cubic-inch engine powering the Super Eight had nine main bearings, a Stromberg carburetor, roller cam valve lifters, and a standard 7.0:1 compression ratio. It produced 135 horsepower at 3,200 RPM and was backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with floor shift controls, a single disc clutch, and a shaft drive. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power.

The Bijur lubrication system used on the previous year's Packard's Super Eight did not return for 1938. The independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes with centrifuse drums were new mechanical improvements, while in the design department, the Super Eight received a 30-degree slant to its radiator, and new bumpers were added in the front and rear.

The shortest wheelbase of 127 inches (Series 1500) included a single five-passenger Touring Sedan body style priced at $2,335 which proved very popular. Eight body styles were offered in the Series 1501 platform of 134 inches and prices ranged from $2,420 to $4,850 for the LeBaron Cabriolet. Factory body styles included a convertible, rumble seat coupe, five-passenger coupe, club sedan, touring sedan, formal sedan, and victoria. The largest wheelbase of 139 inches was reserved for the Series 1502 and offered in six body styles with prices ranging from $2,700 for the Touring Sedan to $4,990 for the Town Car with coachwork by LeBaron.

Optional equipment included a radio, heater and defroster, dual side-mount spare tires, side-mount covers, bumper guards, and a spotlight. A total of 5,793 examples of the Fifteenth Series Super Eight were produced. In comparison, Packard produced 1,330 of the Fourteenth Series Super Eight and 2,478 of the Sixteenth Series Super Eight.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021