Packard 840 Deluxe Eight Roadster, 1931
Packard Custom Eight
Packard Custom Eight•
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Chassis No.: 191229
US$105,280 USD | Sold
- 385ci Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
- 120hp at 3,200rpm
- 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- 4-Wheel Drum Brakes
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Only three owners since WWII
- CCCA Senior National First Prize winner
- Only year for the four-speed transmission
- Ex-Walter Shearer Collection Previewing in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact motors.us@bonhams.com for scheduling.
- THE EIGHTH SERIES PACKARD
Packard's rise to prominence has its roots in 1907 with the introduction of the landmark Model 30. From that point forward, Packard produced arguably the finest styled and engineered automobiles in the United States. From the Model 30 to the magnificent six-cylinder cars, then to the technologically triumphant Twin Six, Packard could do no wrong. The manufacturer would achieve a further triumph in 1924 with the introduction of the eight-cylinder range. This machine was seen as such a significant development that it would be designated as the "first series" and all other Packard model years would carry the consecutive series number until the end of the company.
This new, straight-eight car helped define so many of the characteristics we associate with classic era cars today. Most notably, the long straight eight required a long hood – a body stylist's dream, which helped to define the appearance of a great classic. The industry was starting to witness a truly inspired period of automotive design.
With each year after 1924, a new series was introduced and more features and refinements were added. The Sixth Series, introduced in 1929, would prove to be Packard's most successful year and along with the 443, would be hailed as the marque's early classic masterpieces. Packard's styling prowess was no doubt related to the fact that only Ford employed more in-house stylists than Packard. Close examination of this car reveals a machine of cohesive and thorough styling excellence. From the hubcaps to the door handles to the radiator shell, Packard got all the details right.
For 1931 Packard introduced the Eighth series. The motor now produced 120hp, up from its initial 85. Thanks to gradual year over year changes the styling was highly refined and the details magnificent. The 840 wears some of the most elegant bright work seen on any car of this era. Packard had truly hit their stride and would continue to set the bar high throughout the 1930s.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Arguably one of the finest looking cars produced in its day, the Packard has a look that completely embodies all qualities that make cars of this period special. Riding on a 140.5 wheelbase the Packard displays the quality, refinement, and elegance of a top end classic car. This sporting Roadster was delivered new to Southern California through Earle C. Anthony's Packard dealership and has remained in those sunny environs ever since.
While the original owner is not known, from at least 1941 (and likely earlier) the Packard was in the garage of astronomer and life member of the American Astrological Society, Mrs. Ada Margaret Brayton of Pasadena, California. Her ownership is documented by a 1950 letter from the Packard Motor Car Company. The car would remain with Mrs. Brayton until she died. After sitting in storage with the Citizens Commercial Trust and Savings Bank of Pasadena for three years, the car was purchased by noted Packard enthusiast Mr. Walter Shearer on Friday August 5th, 1966 at 9:30am (no, really, the exact time is listed in the documentation).
A well-known figure in the California car community, Shearer assembled a collection of Packards, Duesenbergs, and other stunning classic era cars—carefully restoring and maintaining each one. The regular service and restoration this Packard received throughout Shearer's ownership is documented by numerous receipts on file. Shearer would keep this 840 Packard in his collection until his passing, after which his wife Hilda sold it to the current owner in 2006.
Retaining an older restoration from Shearer's ownership—one that was good enough to achieve a Classic Car Club of American Senior National First Place Award (number 0871), it has been carefully stored and minimally used in the last four years. Recently run after a period of static display, the strong pull of the 120-horsepower straight eight makes these cars easy to drive and they rarely come out of top gear. The 840 sports a one year only feature; a four-speed transmission. This extra gear was discontinued for 1932 as most found the abundance of power made the extra gear superfluous.
840 Roadsters have always been scarce and come to market quiet infrequently. This example, with its heaps of documentation going back to the 1950s and lovely older restoration, is a rare chance to acquire a very sought-after machine.
Cost
386,641 AED
