Packard 1703 Super Eight Convertible Victoria by Darrin
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Car producer : |
Packard |
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Model: |
1703 Super Eight Convertible Victoria by Darrin |
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Year: |
1938-1939 |
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Type: |
Cabriolet |
The 1933 Packard's were called the Tenth Series cars as the company still refused to adopt the convention of the model year system which called for new cars to be introduced in September or October to coincide with the auto show schedules. The following year, the reluctantly joined with other manufacturers which resulted in a shorted run for the tenth series, lasting just seven months. The new Packard model line was introduced in the fall. Because of the seven month production lifespan of the Tenth Series, very few were produced making them very rare in modern times.
The Tenth Series were given a new X-braced frames, dual coil ignition, and downdraft carburetors. The styling was updated with skirted fenders and a 'V'-shaped radiator shell. The interior featured upgraded trim and a new aircraft inspired dash.
On August 21 of 1933, Packard introduced its new Eleventh Series cars. They would remain in production through the following August when the Twelfth Series, 1935 cars were launched. The three models (Eight, Super Eight, and Twelve) were available in three wheelbases. In total, there were 41 different combinations of engines, wheelbases and body styles. To add to the diversity, there were 17 'catalog customs' bodied by coachbuilders LeBaron and Dietrich.
The Eleventh Series cars were given new fender contours that curved downwards nearly to the front bumper. Other changes included new radiator caps, hood door handles, better upholstery, and a fuel filler integrated into the left tail lamp. Mechanical changes included a new oil cooler and an oil filter. The Super Eight and Twelve both rested on a wheelbase that measured 142-inches and had a hood that was nearly six-inches longer than the Eight. The fenders were longer as well.
The bodies on the Twelve's and Super Eight were interchangeable, with the Super Eight featuring an eight-cylinder engine while the Twelve featured a twelve cylinder engine. During this time, Packard also produced the Eight, which had a smaller wheelbase size and the eight-cylinder engine. The Super Eight and Twelve differed by interior appointments and engine size. The bodies were constructed of wood and steel.
In 1936 Packard was producing their Fourteenth Series as the number thirteen had been skipped. It is believed that thirteen was not used due to superstitious reasons. The Fourteenth Series was the last year for Bijur lubrication, ride control, a semi-elliptic suspension, mechanical brakes, heavy vibration dampening bumpers and the 384.4 cubic inch straight eight engine. It was also the last year for the option of wire or wood wheels.
In 1936 the fourteenth series received a new radiator which was installed at a five-degree angle. The Super 8 had a new sloped grille with chrome vertical bars which gave the vehicle a unique look and served as thermostatically controlled shutters which opened or closed based on engine heat. The headlight trim, fender styling, and hood vents saw minor changes. A new Delco-Remy ignition system was the new updates for 1936 under the bonnet.
For 1936 there were a total of 1,492 Super Eights constructed.
In 1937 Howard A. “Dutch” Darrin was back in America and settled in Hollywood whose movie colony would hopefully provide a market for coachbuilt cars.
His first experiments there were on Packard 120 chassis, fitted with bodies of distinctly European appearance. Some orders resulted, but they also attracted the attention of Packard management. They paced Darrin in a quandary, since his Hollywood shop was not large enough to turn out any large quantity of bodies.
Arrangements were made to have them built by the Central Manufacturing Company in Indiana, and for several years Darrin travelled back and forth, working out new ideas in Hollywood and supervising the construction of bodies of his design in Indiana. When the Central Manufacturing Company became fully occupied with building Jeep bodies, the work for Darrin was transferred to the Hess & Eisenhart shop in Cincinnati, and the last Darrin Packards came from there.
The bodies actually built by these two firms under Darrin`s supervision were of course the Convertible Victoria, low four-seater with folding roofs and windows in the doors. Darrin continued to build a few other types on special order in his own shop in California.
