Packard introduced its Fifteenth Series on 3 September 1936. By 1937, the lineup had grown to an astonishing 50 models and production reached a record 109,518 automobiles—the highest annual total in Packard history, never to be surpassed. Nearly 90 percent of those sales came from the lower-priced Six and One Twenty models, underscoring the exclusivity of the prestigious Super Eight. Packard built just 5,793 examples for 1937, which benefited from the company’s first application of an independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, while showcasing gracefully streamlined styling widely regarded among the finest of the Classic Era.

The Super Eight offered here, a Convertible Victoria on the 134-inch-wheelbase 1501 chassis, is noted on its firewall vehicle number plate as having been delivered on 27 February 1937 by the Packard Palm Beach Company of West Palm Beach, Florida—a fitting destination for such an elegant open Packard. Dr. Robert Marvin's landmark 1994 reference Packard records the car in the ownership of Dr. John Bowers, an avid Packard and Rolls-Royce enthusiast from Kokomo, Indiana. It was later acquired by noted collector Henry Petronis of Easton, Maryland, from whose estate James G. Robinson added it to his distinguished collection.

Restored some years ago in handsome Packard Blue over beige leather, this Convertible Victoria notably retains what appears to be its original body number tag affixed to the wooden door sill. The car is well equipped with desirable period accessories, including a radio, heater, and dual side-mounted spares. Prospective owners should note the fitment of an aftermarket turn-signal lever and a non-original Stromberg carburetor. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed 22,367 miles.

Combining elegant styling, desirable factory accessories, and documented enthusiast ownership, this Fifteenth Series Super Eight Convertible Victoria represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Packard's most admired pre-war open automobiles—equally at home on Classic Car Club of America CARavans, touring events, or in a distinguished collection of American classics.