1935 Packard Eight Convertible Sedan
Packard’s famous slogan “Ask the Man Who Owns One” reflected the brand’s confidence in customer satisfaction and engineering excellence during the Depression era. For 1935, Packard introduced its Twelfth Series lineup, ranging from the medium-priced One Twenty to the luxurious Super Eight and Twelve, with the “standard” Eight positioned strategically between them.
This convertible sedan represents one of the rarest and most expensive body styles of the 1202 series, built on the prestigious 139-inch wheelbase chassis that matched the grand Super Eight models in presence and luxury.
Surprisingly, the Eight outsold the Super Eight by a factor of nearly 3-to-1 despite being nearly indistinguishable to casual observers.
The 320-cubic-inch L-head straight-eight featured nine main bearings, an aluminum cylinder head, and a 6.5:1 compression ratio, producing 130 horsepower through a single Stromberg downdraft carburetor. The three-speed synchromesh manual transmission provided smooth gear changes, while four-wheel mechanical drum brakes handled stopping duties.
This specific right-hand-drive configuration indicates this car was likely intended for export, adding to its rarity and historical interest. With its division window allowing formal limousine-style use when the top was raised, this Full Classic exemplifies Packard’s commitment to combining luxury, engineering excellence, and versatile functionality in their premium offerings.
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