1934 Packard Eight 1100 5-Passenger Sedan

1934 Packard Eight 1100 5-Passenger Sedan
Chassis no. 703707
320cid L-Head Inline Eight-Cylinder Engine
120bhp at 3,200rpm
3-Speed Selective Synchromesh Manual Transmission
Solid Front and Live Rear Axles with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Vacuum-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Quite rare as 1 of only 5,120 Eleventh Series Eights produced
*Equipped with scarce Packard radio and Pilot Ray directional lights
*Complete and very well-preserved older restoration
*1992 Lexington, KY VMCCA Golden Award of Excellence winner
*Striking livery includes upholstery matched to original sample

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Continuing to epitomize America's fine-car market during the early 1930s, Packard applied a number of careful improvements to 1933's Tenth Series models and even more for 1934's Eleventh Series, which debuted in August 1933. Featuring outstanding styling, the Eleventh series Packard line benefited from Raymond Dietrich's foundational design work and the masterfully streamlined flourishes of multiple award-winning designer Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. Featuring beautifully skirted fenders and V-shaped radiator grilles, the Tenth- and Eleventh-Series Packards are rightly considered by today's collectors and marque enthusiasts as some of the company's finest models ever produced.

Renowned for their driving dynamics and mechanical sophistication, Packard's eight-cylinder models benefited from a number of detail-oriented changes for the Eleventh Series to match their outer sophistication. Among the enhancements were the addition of an oil-temperature regulator, movement of the fuel filler into the left rear taillight assembly and electrical upgrades including an improved generator capable of powering the newly available vacuum-tube radio unit. Externally, new slotted bumpers provided a simulated double-bar look. Three new model numbers defined the Eleventh Series Packard Eight lineup for 1934, with Model 1100 utilizing a 129 ½-inch wheelbase mounting a highly versatile five-passenger sedan – the sole body style offered. The Model 1102 chassis carried a long 141 ¼-inch wheelbase for a sedan and seven-passenger sedan-limousine. Model 1101 bridged both extremes, with a complete line of 10 body styles, riding a generous 136 ¼-inch wheelbase length. Introduced during August 1933, the 1100, 1101 and 1102 Eleventh Series Packard Eights were the company's most important models and helped keep the company afloat during the worst of the Great Depression until the "Junior" models arrived for 1935.

This 1934 Model 1101 Packard Eight 5-Passenger Sedan is a simply wonderful example. It was purchased by the current owner in September 1985, with a compete, body-off-frame restoration already in progress. Following acquisition, the Packard's restoration was brought to fruition, with all aspects of the vehicle inspected and restored over a 3 ½-year timeframe by Barry Keating at Classic Crossroads in Salt Lake City, Utah, with body and paint performed by Danzie Antique Auto, upholstery by Berling Custom Auto and restoration of the engine, chassis and running gear by Keating. According to oral history, the Packard was reportedly owned by MGM Studios until 1960 and then sold to gentleman from Tucson, Arizona, who retained the car until early 1970s when he sold it a man from Salt Lake City, who never registered it and disassembled it, with the car passed through three more owners until the current owner acquired it.

Following restoration, the venerable Packard was awarded the Veteran Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA) Golden Award of Excellence VMCCA at the 1992 Glidden Tour in Lexington, Kentucky. Only sparingly driven to maintain its splendid older restoration, the Packard has enjoyed proper storage and pampering ever since it was completed. Attractively finished in Maroon with black fenders, the Packard features an outstanding blue-grey cloth interior, with the upholstery carefully matched to an original sample found inside the car prior to restoration, plus such desirable accessories as a scarce original dash-mounted Packard radio, Pilot-Ray directional lights and comprehensive standard features including power-assisted brakes, adjustable shock absorbers, Bijur chassis lubrication system and a dual-purpose fuel- and oil-level gauge. A study in effective design and featuring Packard's characteristic engineering prowess, this 1934 Packard 1100 5-Passenger Sedan enjoys Classic Car Club of America Full Classic® status and will provide both a wonderful touring experience and a welcome entry to a multitude of enjoyable shows and events.