Series 840. 120 bhp, 384.8 cu. in. L-head eight-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 140.5"

• Well-preserved older restoration

• Long-legged gears for touring

• CCCA Full Classic

The Packard Motor Car Company introduced its Eighth Series cars on August 14, 1930. Manifolds and valves from the 1930s Speedster engine had been adopted across the board, resulting in a horsepower boost to 100 for the 319.2-cubic inch Standard Eight, 120 on the 384.8-cubic inch Deluxe models. Discontinuation of the Speedster left the Roadster as the most sporting model; in the Deluxe 840 line this was a rumble seat model using a Style 472 Packard-built body.

The deepening Depression took its toll. While more than 6,000 Deluxe Eights had been produced in the 1930 model year, only 2,016 were built for 1931, nearly three-quarters of them before the end of calendar 1930. Sales, however, could not keep up with supply. When the more streamlined Ninth Series 1932 models were introduced in June 1931, the factory began producing kits to update unsold 1931s to the new look to help dealers reduce inventories.

This Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupe was delivered new by the renowned Earl C. Anthony distributorship in Los Angeles. It is believed to have been on the West Coast for most of its life. Restored by Hal Orchard of Santa Ana, California, its engine was rebuilt in the mid-1980s by Eric Rosenau, an engineer respected for excellent work over more than 50 years. During the restoration, the rear axle was fitted with 3.54:1 gears to facilitate modern traffic and long-distance touring.

Tastefully painted in light and dark grey, the car is accented by red wire wheels, dual side-mounts and whitewall tires. The black leather interior coordinates nicely with the exterior motif, further set off by handsome burl wood-grain on the dashboard and window trim. Directional signals have been discreetly fitted for safety on the road.

Recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America, this Packard is eligible for all club activities and CARavan tours. A nice example of the “pure” 1931 Series 840, prior to the mid-year facelift, it will also be in demand for concours d’elegance and events of all kinds.