1933 Packard Super Eight For Sale in St Louis, MO, 2146376869 Tweet

Always built to the highest standards the Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era. First introduced in 1924 the Eight was notable as the first Packard to employ four-wheel brakes. Its side-valve straight-eight engine developed 85bhp from 5.9 liters and the model Eight line-up initially comprised ten models on two wheelbase lengths. In 1927 the engine was enlarged to 6.3 liters and a smaller 5.2-liter Standard Eight was introduced for 1929 the larger engine continuing to power the Custom and DeLuxe Eights. The latter was re-christened Super Eight for 1933 by which time all Packards featured synchromesh transmissions.Built on the 142-inch wheelbase the model 1004 was offered with 13 individual body styles. Arguably none were more in tune with the coachbuilding fashions of its era than the Convertible Victoria. The more austere times and trends perhaps dictated a shift towards all-weather designs allowing one car to suit multiple climate conditions rather than needing a stable of bespoke automobiles each with a specific purpose. For this fashionable style Packard turned to the styling and coachbuilding firm Dietrich Inc. of Detroit Michigan. Founded by Raymond Dietrich the firm reached a mythic status with their handsome and innovative styling and Dietrich became a frequent collaborator with Packard; their designs as applied to these chassis today represent some of the most revered models of the Classic era.1933 Packards are wonderfully made and styled automobiles - it was only a shame there were so few who could afford to buy them. 10th series production totaled a meager 4800 units a far cry from the 16613 for the 9th series and way down from the nearly 55000 sold in 1929. The 10th series would represent Packards smallest output of the Classic era. Packards Convertible Victoria is widely regarded as one of the most elegant factory bodies mounted atop the Super Eight chassis. Priced at $3440 the Convertible Victoria was one of the more expensive body styles available and would no doubt have only accounted for a modest percentage of the 788 Eight chassis built. It is believed that far less than 100 Convertible Victorias were produced in 1933.Although little of its earliest history has been recorded this Packard was fortunate to come to the attention of Tom Weatherford a resident of Diablo California. Under his supervision the Packard underwent a three-year body-off restoration that reportedly cost in excess of $400000. It is very rare to find a flat-windshield Packard that has been treated to such a comprehensive restoration especially a tenth-series model a long-standing favorite of Packard connoisseurs.The coachwork has been fully restored and remains in outstanding condition with beautiful paintwork atop excellent body panels. Finished in black with a striking silver beltline and highlighted with subtle red coach stripes the Convertible Victoria has a very formal appearance which is accentuated by the tall whitewall tires chrome wire wheels side-mounted spares with Packard mirrors and a rear-mounted trunk. This being a high-specification Super Eight it is very well equipped with numerous accessories and fittings. From the front it features dual Trippe driving lamps a Packard Goddess of Speed mascot and chrome trumpet horns. The chrome plating has been restored to a concours-quality standard and remains in excellent order.Occupants are treated to a fully restored and finely detailed interior trimmed in rich oxblood leather on the seats and door panels properly upholstered to create a luxurious surrounding and a period-appropriate feel. Very well maintained since the restoration and used sparingly a bit of light creasing is found on the seats while excellent burgundy carpet gorgeous woodwork and finely restored chrome round out the presentation. Likewise the dash has been beautifully restored with woodgrain finish on either side of the centrally mounted instrument panel as original. Factory original dials and switches have been fully restored to high standards and the door tops are finished in handsome wood trim with decorative inlays. The signature feature of the Convertible Victoria is the folding roof with its large blind quarters that give the car a more formal appearance when up yet it tucks neatly into the cut-down body for a clean and sporty look when open. The top is trimmed black canvas with oxblood leather piping and a matching canvas boot is included to complete the look.Packards 384.8 cubic inch L-head inline eight is one of the great engines of all time; smooth torquey and powerful enough to move even the long wheelbase cars along with ease. On this car the engine has been impeccably detailed in signature Packard green paint with a silver crankcase as original. Engine ancillaries chrome hardware and fittings are in excellent show-quality condition. This car has been driven lightly since the restoration was completed and maintained to a very high standard and as a result the engine shows little in the way of use. Similarly the undercarriage remains clean and extremely well-presented.When the restoration was completed in summer 1999 the car immediately entered the show circuit capturing a First in Class award and Best of Show during its debut at the 1999 Ironstone Concours - an impressive feat for a first outing. At the Fresno Concours in 2000 it earned another major success winning its class and Best of Show for the second time in only two attempts. Adding to its impressive achievements at its third showing this time at the Mare Island Concours it again received both First in Class and Best of Show.After this string of successes it was time for a Grand Classic. At a CCCA Grand Classic in 2000 this car received first place honors and was given a perfect 100-point judgment a rare and impressive achievement indeed. The whirlwind concours tour ended at the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours dElegance where this car was awarded Second in Class - no small feat given the stiff competition.In 2002 a collector of high-end classics acquired the superb Packard and continued to claim awards. At the Hershey Fall Meet in 2002 the Super Eight received its AACA National First (Junior) and the following earned its CCCA Senior award followed by the Premier award in 2004. Other successes of note are wins at the Lake Mirror and Keeneland Concours rounding out an incredible show career. For the past few years this car has been part of an amazing collection of significant classics and has been lovingly kept in show-ready condition.Whether its next fortunate owner decides to show this Packard further or prepare it for use on CARavans it is sure to be a rewarding acquisition. The Convertible Victoria is one of the most rare and versatile of all classic Packards and its long list of awards apparent quality and tastefully executed restoration are enticing characteristics that few similar examples can claim. Rarely does a Packard like this come up for sale making its availability an opportunity to seize. Offers welcome and trades considered.For additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7823-1933-packard-super-eight-convertible-victoria/