Many consider Packard’s Super Eight and Twelve cars from the mid to late ’30s to be the finest automobiles ever produced by the Packard Motor Car Company. Certainly, it is true that the Senior cars represented the end of an era, as Packard would never again offer the exceptional quality of a hand-built Senior car.

The 15th Series of Packard cars proved to be worthy successors to those vaunted earlier offerings, with the 1937 models signaling the first major update to the Senior cars. Perhaps most important was the addition of independent front suspension, a fully modern system that utilized wishbones and coil springs, as well as the new 320-cubic-inch straight-eight engine. The results were dramatic, with lighter steering, a more supple ride, and better road-holding. In addition, there was the adoption of hydraulic brakes with centrifuse drums, which was a more reliable system that proved much easier to maintain in peak operating condition. All things considered, the 15th Series Senior cars are among the most desirable to those who choose to enjoy their cars on the open road.

The Super Eight offered here is a five-passenger convertible sedan and has been built on the longest available 1502 model 139-inch wheelbase chassis. This body style, no. 1063, carried a sizeable price tag of $3,350, which is reflected in the many opulent features found throughout the car, including covered dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, dual driving lights, Packard’s traditional “Goddess of Speed” mascot, a rear-mounted folding trunk rack, and wonderfully rich wood trim to the interior. The Packard shows 56,661 miles at the time of cataloguing.

Fully restored, the car has benefitted from a recent full engine rebuild with receipts documenting a cost in excess of $40,000. Finished in deep, rich black paint and accompanied by a tool kit and engine rebuild receipts, this car would be an ideal choice for bringing to AACA or CCCA showings or as a truly superb CARavan partner.