Packard’s evolutionary approach to vehicle design was not without its occasional downsides, yet for 1934, the strategy yielded an exceptionally elegant catalogue that deftly balanced old and new. This is on full display on this 1934 Eight 2/4 Passenger Coupe, body style number 718: Long-running details—most noticeably, the upright grille—remained, contributing to the classic, formal appearance for which Packard was well known. Graceful, partially covered fenders, meanwhile, signaled an impending shift toward streamlined design.

Beneath the Coupe’s long hood sat a smooth-running 320-cubic-inch straight-eight engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The chassis further benefitted from features including adjustable Ride Control suspension and Bijur automatic lubrication.

Production of Packard’s Eleventh Series began on 21 August 1933 (though these were considered 1934 model year cars), and this Coupe, vehicle number 718 72, was built not long afterward. According to the car’s cowl tag, it was delivered new on 19 October 1933 via Newton Motor Corp. of Elmira, a city in upstate New York. Its subsequent history is unknown, but it would later spend time in the collection of noted enthusiast Gordon Apker.

Offered today in tidy cosmetic condition, including under the hood, this Eight 2/4 Passenger Coupe is finished in beige with maroon fenders, accented by red pinstriping. The wire wheels, including the covered, rear-mounted spare, are finished in body color and are wrapped in wide whitewall tires (body color wheel covers accompany the car). Further exterior details include the legendary Cormorant mascot perched on the radiator, as well as Solar headlamps and fender lights—the shapes of which echo the unmistakable Packard grille.

While the Coupe’s rumble seat is trimmed in brown leather, the cabin is finished in grey cloth. The windshield tilts open, while the backlight rolls down, affording driver and passenger plenty of airflow; for colder months, the car is equipped with a cabin heater. The dashboard-mounted AM radio is said to be original, and in working condition. Fittingly for a car in this sporting style, there is a golf club compartment just ahead of the rumble seat.

A Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic, this 1934 Packard Eight 2/4 Passenger Coupe would be ideal for show or tour—or even a quick, stylish jaunt to the local country club.