The year 1936 was a superlative one for Packard, both from the standpoint of business and design. The automobiles produced that year by the Detroit outfit are considered by many to be among the most beautiful, most capable, and most luxurious of the 1930s. From the top-of-the-line Twelve to the entry-level One Twenty, each model was highly desirable. This trend continues today, especially for the open cars, such as the Super Eight Phaeton offered here.

Completely unrestored, except for its top, this superb 1936 Packard Super Eight Phaeton presents today as when it was delivered on 30 June 1936 from Hitchcock Motors in Santa Barbara, California. The car’s first owner, Anna W. Dickinson, was originally from Chicago and was at the time a full-time resident of Santa Barbara. This Packard was chauffeur-driven from the time of its purchase until Mrs. Dickinson’s death in 1972. The Packard was then shipped to her son, William R. Dickinson, in Lake Forest, Illinois. Mr. Dickinson owned the car until 1981. After the Dickinson family, the car was held in two different noted automobile collections and remained with the latter until 2004, when the present owners purchased the car.

Exceptionally well preserved and superbly presented, the Packard proudly displays its original condition inside and out, including paint, chrome, leather interior, floor mats, original spare tool roll, owner’s manual, side curtains with rods, trunk, and monogrammed Packard lap robes. The car still has its original Packard-Hartford Tonneau windshield installed by Hitchcock Motors in 1936. This unusual and seldom-seen accessory gave Mrs. Dickinson full weather protection in the rear seat of her phaeton.

By way of documenting the car’s truly pampered life, a lubrication sticker from a Shell service station in Santa Barbara, dated 10-9-67, shows 44,017 miles. The car now has 46,700 miles on the odometer, showing the incredible care the Packard has seen with just over 2,500 miles added in the last 50 years!

In 2001 the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance joined the longstanding European tradition of honoring original cars. That year a Prewar Preservation class was added to the show, and this 1404 Phaeton, then in the collection of noted Packard enthusiast Don Sears, was among the invited participants. It has also participated in numerous Grand Classic events and is a reliable and impressive driver. It has garnered several awards for originality, including the Best Original award at the Packard Automobile Classic Club National Meet in 2010, among others.

The magnificent Packard offered here is a fascinating example of the charm of an unrestored automobile. Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America, it is eminently eligible for any number of the finest automobile events in the country and is a surefire competitor in any preservation class. Worthy of continued conservation, this Packard phaeton will make a truly incredible centerpiece in any Full Classic collection.