Packard Eight
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Packard Eight

1931 Packard Individual Custom Eight Type 840 Dietrich Convertible Sedan[1]
Overview
Manufacturer
Packard
Production
1924-36
Assembly
Packard Automotive Plant, Detroit, MI
Body and chassis
Class
Luxury car
Body style
•2-door roadster
•2-door coupé
•2-door convertible Victoria
•4-door sedan
•4-door phaeton
•4-door dual-cowl phaeton & Sport Phaeton
•town car
•landau
Layout
Front engine, rear drive
Related
Light Eight
120
Powertrain
Engine
319.2 cu in (5.2 L) L-head inline eight
357.8 cu in (5.9 L) L-head inline eight
384.8 cu in (6.3 L) L-head inline eight
Transmission
3-speed Manual transmission



The Packard Eight was a luxury automobile produced by Packard between 1924 and 1936, and was an all new platform that took the top market position from the earlier Packard Twin Six which was first introduced in 1916. When it was introduced, it was designated as the Senior Packard until the company ended in the late 1950s.
Packard's first eight cylinder engine was introduced as the Single Eight with two wheelbases offered in 136 in (3,500 mm) and 143 in (3,600 mm), while sharing a naming convention with the junior Single Six.
In 1930, the Eight was factory priced between US$2425 ($39,336 in 2021 dollars]) and US$2885 for the Standard Eight, US$3190 to US$3885 for the Custom Eight, and US$4585 to US$5350 ($86,783 in 2021 dollars]). In 1932, prices ranged from US$2250 to US$3250 for the Standard Eight, while the De Luxe Eight started at US$3150 ($51,097 in 2021 dollars).


1930 Packard Brewster



Model Description

This is a 1:18 scale die-cast metal with some plastic parts. Opening the box and removing it from its packing frame shows one of the prettiest cars I have had to include in the museum. The detail is great with even the tiniest details shown. The museum is starting to get some great examples just like this and you may have seen our 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow. This model is made by the same maker.

The Body

We always start with the body and this model is no exception. It's a 4-door saloon thats similar to vehicles from that era. Big with the sense of wealth in every panel and nut & bolt. This vehicle usually starts life as a motor on a frame which then goes to a coachbuilder who constructs what you see today. So these vehicles were hand built in small amounts with in most cases the owners of these, putting their own touches to make them unique. Paintwork is exceptionally well done with a colour combination that works well. One of the first thing that you notice are the wheels with the solid rims and their white wall tires. This also includes the 2 spare wheels mounted on the mudguards. The attention even extends to the wheel hubs that may be associated with sports cars with wire wheels that have one central nut to remove the wheel similar to the early MG’s and even to the early Ford. All four doors open with the two front ones being suicide doors. All open wide to give an excellent look into the interior. In reality these early cars with the sweeping mudguards that continue with the running board are just so unusual to us these days. We are so used to all the latest technology and gadgets, that these vehicles of our grandparents just amaze us today. But these were the vehicles they drove. That distinctive Packard lady on the radiator gril represented status for that time in America. The bonnet in two parts allows access to the engine with both sides opening wide giving a good look at the engine. The roof represents the fabric roof at the time that was common on these types of vehicles. There was no boot as per say, but luggage could be stowed behind the rear could be folded down for luggage.
The chrome bumpers on this model are solid. We have some with the types of bumpers that are fragile. But this is a well made example solidly built that would be most appreciated by the original builders.


The Interior

When you open the doors, by placing your finger on the seats and the floor of this model, instead of the hard plastic that you would expect, you will find it is a soft plastic that has a fur type finish. This type of plastic is being used on an increasing number of models to make them more realistic. As in these periods they are actuality bucket seating and not the usual bench seating that was the norm in that period. Also in the back section, you will find the model shows the footrest that’s in the original vehicle. The door panels have both the door handle and the window wipers attached rather than simply moulded as one piece like other models. This again makes this model more realistic. The dashboard with the instruments is located in the middle like most makes of automobiles and shows instruments such as the speedometer, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge. The dashboard is a wood panel finish with a glove compartment on the passenger side. Controls like the handbrake, as well as the floor mounted gear shift have been made to scale and not oversized. Steering wheel is the same. This model has of course given the ability of turning the front wheels using the steering wheel. Overall the interior may look basic to us, but back then, this was a luxury automobile.

The Engine

This engine keeps in step with the rest of the automobile. The detail is good with the motor itself, rather than being made using one piece, here we have this engine moulded in multiple parts using different colours the same as on the original vehicle. This gives the engine a more realistic look than most models. The detail is excellent with small details such as the radiator hoses and spark plugs. Opening the hinged hood gives good access on both sides with the only difficulty being that you cannot raise it right up without something to hold it if you wish to display it. But overall a nice display that without a doubt gives this model class.

The Undercarriage

Turn over this model and there is no doubt that this is a display model. Forget about the small parts on the body that are fragile, This has 6 plastic cones that are in fact part of the moulded bottom. They form a stable platform that allows this model to be displayed firmly on any surface. The one under the engine is higher that the other 4 so to allow the front wheels to turn. Underneath, the detail is very simple as it shows mainly part of the engine drive shaft and back axle without any fine detail. Springs are there as well as the fuel tank. Its a display model, so it's very unlikely anyone will want to see underneath this model.

The Conclusion

This is a great model. It shows details exactly as on the real automobile. Overall I cannot find any section that has any defects in its design and construction. It is a display model in every sense of the word. The attention to all of the finer details are never in doubt with the small inclusion of these small parts well attached. I would recommend that its is placed in a dustproof container as its cleaning this model is when you are more likely to break small parts. Never use solvents on the paintwork or any plastic parts, as these will destroy the model with damage to the paintwork. Always keep this out of the sunlight as the paintwork just like a real car that has been exposed outside, will fade. If you like models that have a high degree of detail and you see one of these for sale, grab it. Very well done. I give this a 5.0 / 5.0. Robin Finlay 16/03/2023.