Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 112
1937 Packard Series 1502 Super Eight Convertible Sedan Chassis no. 399089
Estimate: US$80,000 - US$100,000
Lot 112
1937 Packard Series 1502 Super Eight Convertible Sedan
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1937 Packard Series 1502 Super Eight Convertible Sedan
Chassis no. 399089
Chassis no. 399089
320ci L-head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Stromberg Carburetor
135bhp at 3,200rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Well preserved and detailed restoration
*Desirable CCCA Full Classic™
*Beautiful color combination
*Versatile and stylish coachwork
*One of only 5,800 Super Eights built in the 15th Series
*Striking streamlined styling on the grand 139-inch wheelbase
*Enjoyed sparingly in recent years
*Incomparable Packard quality
THE 1930s PACKARD EIGHT
Always built to the highest standards, Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era. Packard watershed styling of 1932 was a fleeting moment of perfection as industry priorities were changing rapidly. The market demanded quieter, smoother-riding cars, and drivers were expecting lighter steering and better brakes. Wheels began to shrink – the stately 20" quickly gave way to 17" wheels and fenders gained skirts to give a more streamlined appearance. Up to 1934, Packard bodies were basically designed for the earlier 1930-32 era cars and the fenders and noses were changed to blend the two. For 1935 a new line of bodies and fenders better embraced the lower frames and smaller wheels.
Packards choice of radiator shell designs in 35' was not one of their better efforts and the cars failed to deliver the looks one expected from America's premier brand. For 1936 everything came together perfectly. A new beautifully designed nose and wonderfully proportioned bodies mated to fenders with exquisite lines and handsome curved lower edge.
The eight-cylinder Packard was in its 15th series (there was no 13th) by the time this Model 1502 rolled off the Detroit company's production line in 1937. The big news for '37 was the introduction of the 320ci (5.2-liter) engine on the larger Eight, which now incorporated Packard's 'Safe-T-fleX' independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. All Packards featured synchromesh transmission since 1933, which contributed to their renowned refinement. Now, the radiator was tipped back with a 30-degree slant, giving it a more swept back look, and incorporating the streamline design language that was de rigueur for the time.
The Convertible Sedan was one of fifteen body options for buyers to choose from, and it offered the best of all worlds as either a fully enclosed car, which was by far the norm in the increasingly austere times, or for the sunny days the full top and glass windows could go down to enjoy the carefree joy of open-air motoring. The offset of this convenience was cost – this was a complex and fabulously expensive body to build. The cost of this guise came at the princely sum of $3,350 – only the LeBaron Town Car came in at more.
THE CAR OFFERED
A beautifully presented and comprehensively restored car, this Model 1502 Super Eight has a wonderful aesthetic in its lovely medium pine green over tan livery. Under previous ownership, this car was treated to a very well-detailed and thorough restoration, and it reportedly has been enjoyed sparingly in the ensuing years since it was refurbished. The green paintwork is in excellent order, with accents like a straw-yellow coach line, wide whitewall tires, dual covered side mount spares, and a Cormorant mascot setting it off quite nicely. The tan leather upholstery is in similarly fine condition, as are the woodgrain-effect dash, wood door caps, and door panel accents. The convertible sedan body and the streamlined styling language blend to create what is simply a gorgeous car.
Packard's L-head inline eight displaces 320 cubic inches in this 15th series car and is renowned for its refinement and effortless torque. It is very well detailed in the correct shade of Packard Engine Green on the block and head, a bare alloy crankcase, and with black enamel accessories. Likewise, the over-engineered chassis affords a driving experience that is considerably more relaxed and easygoing than one might expect from an 87-year-old automobile.
Used sparingly in recent years, this Packard may require some light recommissioning before embarking on longer drives, yet once sorted, it has the power, poise, and elegance to star on any Classic Car Club of America concours or CARavan® tour.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 3 October 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 EDT
- 4 October 2024, 09:00 - 16:00 EDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1911 Delaunay-Belleville 26HP Tourer
£70,000 - £100,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000
