LOT 14
1931 Packard 840 DeLuxe Eight 4 Passenger Coupe Chassis no. 190041
Sold for US$56,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 14
1931 Packard 840 DeLuxe Eight 4 Passenger Coupe
1931 Packard 840 DeLuxe Eight 4 Passenger Coupe
Chassis no. 190041
Chassis no. 190041
385ci Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
120bhp at 3,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Live Axle Suspension with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Well Preserved older restoration
*Recipient of recent mechanical refreshing
*Ideal for classic touring
*Fine example of Depression era luxury
THE PACKARD 840 DeLuxe
In 1931, the Great Depression's grip on America and its automobile industry tightened into a stranglehold. Packard still stood at the top of the luxury market but its future like that of its competitors was tenuous. Response to the economy's torment was slow throughout the auto industry and the course that Alvan Macauley had set for Packard during the flush years of the late Twenties was pursued resolutely.
Despite Packard's success in providing high quality chassis for custom coachbuilders Macauley advocated bringing custom coachbuilding in-house and 1931 was the year his plan was implemented. His logic was impeccable – Packard's body-building capabilities were second to none and the quality of its in-house work was equal to, if not better than, independent coachbuilders. Better coordination between chassis construction and custom coachbuilding, brought economies of scale that would increase Packard's efficiency and operating margins.
Behind this change, and routine rationalization of models and designations, Packard brought its full technical, managerial and financial power to bear on the dramatically different market of America in Depression. Development of the lower-priced Light Eight was rushed ahead while its polar opposite, the new Twin Six V12, was aimed at the pinnacle of Packard clients. Both, would debut as Ninth Series 1932 models. The 1931 Eighth Series duration was opportunistically truncated as only Packard, could do.
Packard's Eighth Series may have had only ten months, but its automobiles were exceptional. The Seventh Series 734 Speedster's innovations included a high compression cylinder head, a dual throat Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor and a performance rear axle ratio. A horsepower race was on and the Eighth Series Packards adopted the 734's modifications across the board giving the DeLuxe Eight's strong and quiet nine main bearing 385 cubic inch engine 120 horsepower. Packard's big eight was then, and remains today, the paradigm for quiet, luxurious, unobtrusive power, more than adequate to propel even the day's heaviest and most lavishly appointed formal coachwork.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
A prime candidate for classic touring, this Deluxe Packard wears an older restoration that was likely conducted a number of years ago. Despite the age, the quality of the work has stood the test of time, and today, the car is presentable and inviting to use. The vehicle was purchased by the consigner nearly a decade ago and was tucked away for the previous couple of years before being pulled back out for a refreshing. At this point, vital areas were inspected, and repairs were made as necessary to the fuel, cooling, brake, and wiring systems. Furthermore, the paint was touched up in areas. The remainder of the car shows very well, with minimal wear to be found in the interior, and under the hood, a state of tidiness has been maintained.
The elegance of Senior Packards from this period cannot be overstated. At the time, they epitomized pre-war American luxury being driven by society's finest and still carry with them an air of sophistication to this day. The example presented here will surely provide its next owner with many miles of happy motoring.
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