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The Great Depression continued throughout the
1933-1934 model year. Luxury car manufactures such
as Packard were significantly impacted by the
prevailing precipitous economic conditions.
Nonetheless, management remained optimistic and
continued building magnificent luxury automobiles.
The base price on the Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was
initially $3,350.00. However by the end of the model
year Packard reduced the list price by $1,000.00.
The Eleventh Series Packards produced from August
1933 through August 1934, have come to be regarded
as the finest models ever produced by Packard.
The Sport Phaeton was not illustrated in the sales
catalogue, on the theory that the body style made it
a second or third car for a wealthy family which
might be enticed to buy the more expensive Super
Eight Sport Phaeton. Consequently, only five dual
cowl phaetons were built. The Dual Cowl Sport
Phaeton on display is one of three that remain
today.
At sixty, at, seventy, or even at a healthy eighty
plus miles per hour, the owner of a new Eleventh
Series Packard could, if he wished hear something
besides the sound of his watch . . . the radio!
Beginning with the 1934 model year all Packards were
engineered for radio. By July of 1934 35% of all
Packards sold were equipped with a radio.
The Packard Super Eight is equipped with a 384.8
cubic inch straight eight cylinder engine producing
145 horsepower at 3200 R.P.M. The 1934 Packard Super
8 boasted a 143” wheelbase.
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