This 1934 Packard Eight 1100 Series Sedan was produced during a period of tinkering and product refinement for the automaker. Packard made several improvements to 1933’s Tenth Series models and even more for 1934’s Eleventh Series, which debuted in August 1933 and had a year-long run.
The Eleventh Series was offered in eight-, super eight-, and 12-cylinder models. These three unique series were produced on nine different wheelbases that varied depending on the model. The 1100 Eights with the 129.5-inch wheelbase, like this one, came exclusively as a four-door sedan. They are quite rare as only 5,120 Eights ever produced.
So Long, Seniors
1934 was the last year that all Packards were large “Senior” cars with features including vacuum-assisted brakes, adjustable ride control suspension, and Bijur lubrication systems.
These Eleventh Series Packard Eights were one of the company’s most important models as they helped keep them afloat during the worst of the Great Depression until the “Junior” models arrived for 1935.
Deans of Design
Packard’s 1934 Eleventh Series is noted for its fine styling, which was provided by designers Raymond Dietrich and Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. The artistry is evident in the skirted fenders, V-shaped radiator grilles, and the new slotted bumpers that mimicked a double-bar look. Other modifications highlighted the series as well.
An oil-temperature regulator was added, and the gas tank filler was built into the left rear tail-light assembly. Electrical upgrades included an improved generator. This enhancement was needed to power the vacuum-tube radio units that were newly available at that time.
Exterior Details
1934 Packard Eight 1100 Series Specs:
- 320 cubic inch, inline eight-cylinder engine
- 120 hp
- Synchromesh three-speed quick shift transmission
- Vacuum-assisted brakes
- Adjustable ride control suspension
- Automatic Bijur lubrication system
- 129 inch-wheelbase
Interior Details
