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 120 on the 384.8-cubic inch “Senior” Deluxe models. 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, with nearly three-quarters of them being built before the end of the 1930 calendar year.

The Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupe offered here was delivered new by the renowned Earle C. Anthony distributorship in Los Angeles, which, for many years, sold more Packards than any other concern in the world. It is believed to have been on the West Coast for most of its life, having been found by early collector Nathan Derus in the late 1960s. At the time, the car was parked outside a Venice, California, service station that was owned by former Olympic water poloist Herb Wildman.

The Packard was restored several years later by Hal Orchard, of Santa Ana, California, who was renowned in his day for the very high quality of his work. Later, in the 1980s, the engine was rebuilt by another respected engineer, the late Eric Rosenau. During the restoration, the rear axle was equipped with 3.54:1 gears, to facilitate driving in modern traffic and for long-distance touring.

The car is tastefully painted in light and dark grey and is accented by red wire wheels, dual side-mounts, and whitewall tires. The black leather interior coordinates nicely with the exterior motif, which is 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. It is a nice example of the 1931 Series 840, and it will be in demand for concours d’elegance and events of all kinds.