1931 Packard 840 DeLuxe Eight Roadster
Packard introduced the DeLuxe Eight series in August 1930, despite deepening economic hardship, while maintaining its quality standards. The 840 roadster represented the sportiest offering in the lineup and would prove to be the last true Packard roadster before later models adopted roll-up glass windows.
Built on a 140.5-inch wheelbase, the two/four-passenger design featured a rumble seat and a clever side-mounted door for stowing golf bags. Wide, sweeping fenders and larger hubcaps distinguished the DeLuxe Eights visually, while three-spoke steering wheels marked the interior.
Engineering refinements carried over from the discontinued 734 Speedster translated into meaningful performance gains. The 384-cubic-inch inline-eight produced 120 horsepower through larger intake and exhaust ports, along with a three-piece intake manifold incorporating a cylindrical preheating chamber.
A vacuum-actuated Bijur lubrication system automated chassis maintenance, and four-wheel mechanical brakes provided stopping power.
Economic circumstances severely limited production; just 2,035 DeLuxe Eights of all body styles were built for 1931. The roadster’s combination of sporting character and extreme rarity has earned it recognition as a CCCA Full Classic.
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