☰
conceptcarz.com
✕

1933 Packard 1004 Super Eight

Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American car manufacturers of the pre-war era. The Eight, introduced in 1924, was the first Packard to employ four-wheel brakes. Its side-valve straight-eight engine displaced 5.9 liters and delivered 85 horsepower. Ten body styles were initially offered on two-wheelbase lengths. The engine grew to 6.3 liters in 1927 and a smaller 5.2-liter Standard Eight was introduced in 1929, with the larger engine powering the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. For 1933, it became known as the 'Super Eight,' by which time all Packards used synchromesh transmissions.

While the Great Depression was detrimental to the market, it did little to dampen the artistic inspiration that flourished throughout the industry. Arguably, some of the finest-styled automobiles ever produced were built during the 1930 through 1937 era. The Packard models were consistently at the pinnacle of the luxury car segment, renowned for their performance, durability, style, grace, and elegance.

Packard's Tenth Series lineup of 1933 included the Eight, the Super Eight, and the Twelve. The Eight was available on a 127.5-inch (Series 1001) and 136-inch (Series 1002) platforms. Its L-head straight-eight engine displaced 319.2 cubic inches with nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, revised manifolding, a smaller flywheel, an automatic choke, a dual downdraft Stromberg carburetor, and delivered 120 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The Bendix-BK vacuum booster brakes of the previous year's Twin Six were now standard, along with wire wheels, and an angleset hypoid differential. Prices ranged from $2,150 to $3,100.

The top-of-the-line model was the Twelve, equipped with a 445.5 cubic-inch twelve with four main bearings, a cast-iron monobloc, and 160 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The Series 1005 used a 142-inch wheelbase while the Series 1006 had a 147-inch platform. New X-braced frames and three-point engine mountings enhanced Packard's already renowned smoothness and near-silence. The brakes were driver-adjustable and power-assisted, the engine received dual-coil ignition and automatic chokes, and the former two-plate clutch was replaced by a single dry-plate unit. Prices ranged from $3,790 to $7,000, available with both factory-built and custom coachwork. Among the list of coachbuilders were Dietrich and LeBaron.

Between the Eight and the Twelve was the Packard Super Eight, available on a 142-inch wheelbase (Series 1003) and a 142-inch (Series 1004) wheelbase. The 384.8 cubic-inch straight-eight engine had nine main bearings, a Stromberg carburetor, a standard 6.0:1 compression ratio, and delivered 145 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The engineering refinements applied to the Eight were incorporated into the Super Eight. The three-speed selective synchromesh transmission had a single-plate clutch and an angleset hypoid differential. Mechanical brakes on all wheels provided the stopping power. Prices ranged from $2,750 to $3,600.

The five-passenger sedan was priced at $2,750 and the coupe was listed for $2,780. A five-passenger coupe was $2,980 and a coupe roadster version was $2,870. The phaeton was $2,890 and the Sport Phaeton was $3,150. The most expensive body style was the seven-passenger formal sedan with seating for seven, listed for $3,600. The seven-passenger limousine was $3,280, and the seven-passenger tourer was $2,890. The convertible victoria was $3,440 and the convertible sedan was $3,590. A seven-passenger sedan was nearly $3,100 and the club sedan was $2,975.

Only the five-passenger sedan was offered on the shorter 135-inch wheelbase of the Series 1003. The remainder rested on the larger 142-inch (Series 1004) platform.

The most popular Packard model for 1933 was the Eight with 1,881 examples of the Series 1001 and 1,099 of the Series 1002. The most exclusive and expensive model, the Packard Twelve, had just 520 examples built. Of the Super Eight, the larger Series 1004 proved more popular than the Series 1003, with 788 units built compared to 512 of the Series 1003.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster

Packard Motor Company was founded by James Ward Packard in 1899, and the last car with the Packard name (even though it was basically a Studebaker) was produced in 1958.

The 1933 Packard was a limited-production car. The United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, and few people could afford a Packard. As a result, only a handful of this model was built and very few still remain. This is unfortunate because the traditional Packard hood and grille, coupled with sculpted body styling, makes the 1933 Packard one of the most beautiful cars of all time.

This 1933 Model 1004 Super Eight Coupe roadster is the only one known to have been built with a rear-mounted spare. It was delivered new in New York. It was previously owned by CCCA's first president, Gordon Weber, and was on the first CCCA Caravan in 1953. Later, it was owned by another CCCA president, Dick Roach, and the current owners have owned the car for the past fifteen years.

It was featured in the Fall 1953 issue of the CCCA Newsletter. This car has toured many times and on a trip to Mount St. Helens, it was awarded the Best Classic on the CCCA Pacific Northwest Caravan.

This car was driven on the 2006 Pacific Northwest Caravan, where it won the award for 'Best Classic.' The 2008 Meadow Brook Concours was its first appearance in a major concours.

Phaeton

The Great Depression wreaked havoc on luxury car manufacturers. Packard, which had sold more than 50,000 cars in 1928, found itself selling 25,000 two years later. By 1932, sales were barely 8,000 units.

This car was delivered new in Philadelphia in January 1933 for $2,890. It was the second Phaeton produced and was in Philadelphia until the 1990s. It was eventually sold to a new owner in Massachusetts, who started a partial restoration. The car was damaged in 2004; it fell out of gear and rolled into a 12-foot-deep pond. The car was recovered after a 12-hour submersion. The current owner took possession seven days later. A full restoration was completed in 2008 by Fayette Enterprises in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania.

Coupe Roadster

Many consider 1933 to be Packard's most classic year from a styling standpoint. The perfect balance between slightly skirted fenders and the classic Packard grille resulted in great purity of design. This Coupe Roadster in the Super 8 line is powered by a 385 cubic-inch straight-eight - the power plant that many feel assured Packard's mechanical reputation.

Coupe Roadster

The Tenth Series of Packard's were introduced in January of 1933 and would remain in production for only eight months when they were discontinued to make way for the 1934 models. In total, only 788 examples of the 1004 were produced. All 1933 Eights featured a new 'X' frame member, three-position headlamps, wire wheels, and hinged, pivoting window panes that were one-year-only features. Another Super Eight feature included a new single-plate clutch that provided luxuriously smooth shifting, as well as a dual-choke downdraft carburetor. The battery and toolboxes were relocated from the running boards and hidden from view.

This Coupe Roadster wears body style 659. The known history of this car begins in 1951 with Mr. Joe Kinsey receiving it as a graduation gift in Sunnyvale, California. Mr. Kinsey later moved to central Michigan where he continued to show his convertible coupe at local shows and club meets. The car was later sold to Mr. Frank Champagne of Saginaw, Michigan.

Mr. Champagne personally restored this car in his own garage. The car was restored to its original color scheme of Storm Cloud Gray with Seashell Gray trim, with a Carpathian Elm dash with American Elm trim.

The car earned 99 points at the CCCA Grand Classic in Dearborn, Michigan, and won Best of Show at the Midland, Michigan Automotive Hall of Fame Concours. The Packard International Motor Car Club ran a cover story that ran in their fall 1988 magazine issue, comprehensively outlining the details of the work.

Since that time, the car has changed ownership on two occasions and relocated to Southern California. The car has earned top honors at many shows, including a Packard International Motor Car Club's Circle of Champions in 2006, 2007, and 2009.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction in Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $192,500, inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
Chassis number: 750055
Engine number: 750056

The Packard Eight, first introduced in 1924, was the company's first model to employ four-wheel brakes. The side-valve straight-eight engine displaced 5.9 liters and developed 85 horsepower. Ten body styles were offered on two-wheelbase lengths, accommodating a wide range of needs. The engine grew to 6.3 liters in 1927 and a smaller 5.2-liter Standard Eight was introduced in 1929, with the larger engine continuing to power the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. The latter became the 'Super Eight' for 1933.

The Packard Model 1004 rested atop a 142-inch wheelbase platform and was available with 13 individual body styles. The Convertible Victoria body style was courtesy of coachbuilding firm Dietrich, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. Priced at $3,440, the Convertible Victoria was one of the more expensive body styles available and it is believed that fewer than 100 examples were produced in 1933.

Total 10th series production totaled 4,800 units, well short of the 16,613 9th Series, and down from the nearly 55,000 units sold in 1929. The 10th series would represent Packard's smallest output of the Classic era.

This 1933 Packard Super Eight Convertible Victoria is a very attractive car, with its raked windshield, beautiful long doors, V-shaped radiator, fender lights, and elegant lines. It is the production of a three-year body-off restoration that was completed near the close of the 1990s and cost more than $400,000. It was shown at the 2000 Fresno Concours where it won Best of Show. An appearance at the 2000 Mare Island Concours was rewarded with both a Best in Class and Best of Show award. The CCCA Grand Classic in 2000 awarded it a first place and a perfect 100 points. The pinnacle of its concours circuit tour was a class win at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2000.

Since then it has continued to rack up much-deserved awards at many events it has attended. In 2008 it was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. It was not surprising to see the winning bid far exceed the estimates, settling at $412,500 including the buyer's premium. It is a gorgeous car that is a top contender at nearly every event it attends.

In 2010, this Packard Super Eight was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was expected to sell for $375,000 - $425,000. As bidding came to a close, the car failed to sell after achieving a high bid of $320,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Phaeton

This Packard model 1004 is one of 21 produced. There are five known to exist today. It is a seven-passenger phaeton with a Super 8 engine.

Special features include: thermostat control grill louvers, vacuum brake adjustment, adjustable ride control of shocks, 3 beams on headlights, and senior trippe safety lights.

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 750980
Engine number: 750700

This Packard Series 1004 with body style 659 convertible coupe (more commonly called a 'coupe roadster') is the 98th such example built. It was delivered new by Packard distributor Robert B. Parker, of Philadelphia, on August 17th of 1933. The car was purchased from Don Hanson, of Rochester, Minnesota, in mid-1991, as a partially disassembled, mostly original project. Since that time, the car has been brought back to its original beauty. An untouched original 1934 coupe roadster was used as a guide during the process.

The Packard has chromed wire wheels shod in whitewall tires, Pilot-Ray fog lights, a 'Daphne at the Well' radiator mascot, dual side-mounted spares with full metal covers, Packard Twelve bumpers, and Solar vee'd headlamps. The restoration work concluded in early 2008. Upon completion, it earned an AACA First Junior at San Diego in 2008, followed by a First Senior at Santa Rosa in 2011. Other awards include a First in Class at the 2008 Palo Alto Concours, a Best of Show at the 2008 Niello Concours, and a First in Class at the 2009 Hillsboro Concours.

The car has traveled just 300 miles since the restoration work was completed.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Monterey, California sale. It was estimated to sell for $160,000 - $200,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $253,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster
Engine number: 750953

This Packard Series 1004 Super Eight is a Coupe Roadster that was purchased by the current owner from New Jersey collector David Kane around 1990. The car had been recently restored for Mr. Kane by Stone Barn Automobile Restoration in Vienna, New Jersey. After the work was completed, it earned AACA Junior and Senior awards, as well as CCCA First Prize and Senior recognition, with medallion 1329. Under its current ownership, it earned a Third in Class at the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It earned its CCCA Premier status at the Baltimore Eastern Grand Classic in 1994.

The car is currently painted in blue and silver paint. The interior and rumble seat are done in medium grey leather. The rumble seat has fold-out leather pads at the side, which act as armrests for the passengers. There is also a golf bag door on the right-hand side. The convertible top is made of a canvas that matches the blue paint and has silver piping. The car has Bijur central chassis lubrication and a working Startix starting system. The tires are Lester 7.00x17 wide whitewalls.

Packard produced fewer than 1,400 Series 1004 Packards in all body styles during the short model year.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 750433
Engine number: 750433

This Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster spent many years in Florida, secluded for over three decades in its last ownership with Richard Winer. In recent years, it has resided in garage storage. The gas tank has been cleaned out, the carburetor and fuel pump rebuilt, and the cooling system flushed. New tires have been fitted, and the chrome and paintwork have been freshly cleaned and buffed. The deep green interior leather appears to be from a previous refurbishment of the front seats, while the rumble seat may be original.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich

One of eight known remaining Super Eight Convertible Victorias, this vehicle contains a long wheelbase (142 inches) with a large displacement Super Eight engine with 385 cubic inches. It was given a frame-off restoration in 1985 by noted Packard collector Lonnie Fallin in Colorado. He owned and maintained this car up and until 2021. The vehicle participated in thousands of miles of caravans under his ownership. The current owner has accepted the responsibility to continue and preserve the history of this car in the manner it has received in the past.

The car was owned by Edward and Bertha Sprangler of Red Lion, Pennsylvania up until the death of Mr. Sprangler. Mrs. Bertha Sprangler sold the car to Lonnie Fallin of Littleton, Colorado, in 1984 for $65,000 with about 74,000 miles on the odometer. Mrs. Sprangler had no knowledge of previous owners. The current owners acquired the car in February of 2021.

Sedan
Chassis number: 654163

This 1933 Packard 1004 Super Eight 7-Passenger Sedan rests on top of a 142-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 385 cubic-inch, side valve inline eight-cylinder engine with a single Stromberg carburetor developing 145 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission, Trippe Speedlight, detailed chromework, leaf spring suspension, four-wheel servo-assisted drum brakes, and side-mount spare tires. It is a CCCA Full Classic, 2013 AACA Senior First Place winner, and a $250,000 restoration recipient.

This Packard is one of 788 long-wheelbase Super Eight examples produced.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 750252
Engine number: 750252

The 10th Series Packard was introduced in January 1933 and introduced a new V-shaped front grill, bullet headlights, and standard 17-inch wire wheels. Closed body styles had a more raked front windscreen and tilting door windows. The interior had an aircraft-inspired dashboard, and passenger comfort was boosted by added insulation.

The Super Eight was powered by a 385 cubic-inch straight eight-cylinder engine rated at 145 horsepower, and the Model 1004 was offered in thirteen different body styles on the generous 142-inch wheelbase platform. The redesigned brake system could be adjusted from the dashboard.

This particular example is a Packard Super 8 Model 1004 Coupe Roadster that was given a high-quality restoration by Classic Coachworks of Blenheim, Ontario, in 1997. It received a 2011 National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America and also achieved both First Place Senior and Senior Premier Status with the Classic Car Club of America.

This Packard Blue Convertible Coupe, one of 788 examples produced, has Trippe lights, a metal trunk with fitted luggage, and a 3.58:1 rear-axle gear.

by Dan Vaughan

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 Dan Vaughan