Packard’s Fifteenth Series was introduced on 3 September 1936. An incredible 50 models were available for 1937! Packard produced a record 109,518 cars, a number the company had never attained before nor would ever again achieve in its history. Ninety percent of its sales, however, were concentrated within its lower-priced Junior lines—the new Six and One Twenty models. Just 5,793 Super Eights were produced for 1937, and each included independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes for the first time in the Senior line. Packards continued to be owned by notables like Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Jean Harlow, Al Jolson, Dick Powell, Irene Dunne, and President Franklin Roosevelt.

According to Brewster company records, Town Cabriolet de Ville Body number 9016 was delivered to Ford Motor Company on 16 August 1934 and sold by them to E. J. Bermingham, whose business address was 231 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois. Brewster records further add, “Chassis re-sold to Universal Auto Wreck. Body mounted on Packard Super 8 for Mr. B.” One can presume that the Ford was wrecked and the owner had the body fitted to this Packard. The date on the Brewster record card is very difficult to read but appears to be 17 March 1939. According to Brewster expert Don Weir, since the notes are on the Brewster sales card along with the quality of the body installation, work was most likely done by them.

This 134-inch wheelbase Packard was possibly a five-passenger model prior to being fitted with the Brewster body, as all five-passenger Super Eights (except the Touring Sedan) used this chassis. It is equipped with Packard Trippe Speedlights, dual side-mounted spares, dual rearview mirrors, and an accessory trunk rack, and it features what is described as a largely original interior with McCord under-dash heater. The passenger compartment includes glass division, two jump seats, and a Waltham eight-day clock.

Powering the car is a 135-horsepower 320-cubic-inch inline-eight-cylinder engine. For the first time in 1937, Super Eights had their front doors hinged at the cowl—however, due to the custom coachwork, this Packard is fitted with “suicide” doors. The Packard has been shown in the past at the Rodeo Drive Concours in California as well as numerous Packard Club events. It is a Full Classic as designated by the Classic Car Club of America, and it is eligible for all club events and CARavans.