When James Ward Packard debuted his first automobile in 1899, he was but one of dozens of would-be automobile moguls. By the 1930s, however, most of Packard’s early contemporaries had fallen by the wayside, and the exceptional vehicles bearing the Packard name were truly among the world’s finest.

Packard was the king of the road, as it combined stunning good looks with industry-leading mechanical refinements and elegant appointments that simply had no superior. Simply put, for almost its entire history the Packard was the best built American car at any point in time, and it maintained its extraordinarily high standards for over 50 years.

For many, the 1934 model Packards, which the factory designated the Eleventh Series, represent the height of the company’s pre-war efforts. They were the final models with traditional open fenders, albeit gently skirted, and the upright radiator shell for which the company had become well known. Books have been written solely about this model year Packard, and it is widely considered among the most beautiful of all Classic Era production automobiles.

This 1934 Packard Super Eight coupe is one of the very few of this style known to have survived over the years, and it was acquired by the current owner from a previous long-term caretaker on the East Coast. An older but very well-presented restoration, it is finished in a striking two-tone color scheme of red with black fenders and beltline molding, with a brand new correct leather interior. Its options include new chrome wire wheels with wide whitewall tires, dual side-mounted spares with full metal covers and mirrors, Trippe driving lights, and a correct Packard trunk. Furthermore, both the engine and chassis numbers are very close together, which, in typical Packard fashion, indicates that the car is powered by its original engine.

The 1934 Packard is the most highly regarded example of the venerable marque due to its classic lines and outstanding performance; this example is nicely presented and would be an ideal CCCA CARavan or AACA tour car for its next proud owner.