Lot 230

Hershey 2016

1938 Packard Eight Convertible Sedan

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$65,250 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Engine No.
D303801A
  • Desirable body style in elegant color scheme
  • Numerous factory options and accessories
  • A great highway touring vehicle

Series 1601. Body Style 1197. 110 bhp, 282 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, three-speed selective synchromesh transmission, independent front suspension, semi-elliptical rear leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulically assisted drum brakes. Wheelbase: 127 in.

Addendum: Since catalogue publication, RM Sotheby's has been contacted by a former owner of this car, Charles Meyer of New Jersey. Mr. Meyer was given the car in 1966 by its original owner, Allan Andrews who used it as his summer car in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The car was restored thereafter and sold by Mr. Meyer's father in 1972 to a collector from Ohio.

Many consider the 1935 to 1939 Senior cars to be the finest automobiles produced by Packard. Alongside its priciest offerings, however, the company also introduced the higher-volume One Twenty in 1935, representing the marque’s entry into the medium-priced market. For 1938, the One Twenty was simply renamed the “Packard Eight,” and with its modern independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and 110-horsepower straight-eight engine, it was a resounding success.

Stylistically, the Packard Eight models featured rounded, streamlined styling in keeping with the trends of the era, heralded by a radiator grille with a fashionably steep 30-degree rake. As always, drivers were presented with a handsome “banjo” steering wheel and an impressive level of instrumentation, while interiors were roomy and comfortable. Renowned for their fine driving dynamics, the 1937–1939 Packard Eight models were an unqualified success, and they remain highly sought-after today by classic car collectors.

The very rare four-door convertible sedan offered here, finished in Packard Cream with a red interior and tan cloth top, presents very well throughout, with good-quality paint exhibiting almost no cracking or chips, and fresh upholstery that shows almost no noticeable wear. The wood-grained dashboard is in good condition, as is the correct plastic steering wheel, which has only a couple of minor flaws in its finish. Clearly the car has had excellent care for many years, as attested by the 30,353 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. Furthermore, it is well-accessorized, including disc wheel covers, dual side-mounted spares with metal covers, a radiator guard, and the famous “donut chaser” mascot.

A handsome driver and tour car, this Packard should make an enthusiast very happy. Just Ask the Man Who Owns One!