For many, the 1934 model Packards, which the factory dubbed the Eleventh Series, represent the height of the company’s pre-war efforts. They were the final models with traditional open fenders, albeit gently skirted, and the upright radiator shell for which the company had become well-known. In addition, the chassis’ adjustable Ride Control suspension and Bijur automatic lubrication produced a car that was a dream to drive. Books have been written solely about this model year Packard, and it is widely considered among the most beautiful and purely enjoyable of all Classic Era production automobiles.

According to Packard historian Jim Pearsall, this particular automobile is one of just seven known surviving authentic dual-cowl Sport Phaetons on the 1104 Super Eight chassis. Its original vehicle number plate identifies it as having been delivered on 2 February 1934 by Mountain Motors of Denver, Colorado. As recounted by subsequent owner Robert Young, the car was driven some 30,000 miles before World War II forced it into storage in 1941. Mr. Young acquired it in 1947 and sold it several years later, after which the car passed through several short-term ownerships before winding up with Willis A. Seadler of Sacramento, California, with whom it was recorded in 1957 and 1961 Antique Automobile Club of America rosters.

In 1962, Harry Bragg of Tiburon, California, acquired the car from Mr. Seadler. It was eventually sold from Mr. Bragg’s estate to Dennis Hyman of Paradise, California, then by Mr. Hyman in 1972 to the film producer and actor Tony Bill. Mr. Bill traded the car in 1974 to renowned enthusiast Bruce Meyer, who had the Packard spruced up a bit by the noted Hill and Vaughan and kept it for 30 years.

Mr. Meyer would sell the Packard in 2006 to David Kane of New Jersey, from whom it passed to Joe Morgan of New Hampshire and then Jim Miller of Ontario, all noted enthusiasts. It was finally owned for several years by longtime Classic Car Club of America member John Berra of St. Louis, from whose collection it was purchased by the current owner. A full body-off restoration began thereafter and was completed in what is believed to be the original two-tone green color scheme, discovered when the body was being stripped, and documented by restoration photographs on file. The owner asserts that the engine was rebuilt by the noted Mark Clayton.

This is a lovely example of the Eleventh Series Packard, as a potent senior eight-cylinder model with one of the most desirable factory body styles—original to this chassis—and excellent ownership by noted enthusiasts for much of its life. It is a superb car.