It’s a long-held belief among many Packard enthusiasts that the 11th series, introduced in August of 1933, represents the pinnacle of style and substance for this storied marque. Of course, every car has its fans as well as its detractors, but one look at the gorgeous full-figured styling of the 1934 Packard and it is easy to see why so many have fallen for its charms. Not only was the 11th series beautiful to look at, it was also one of the best driving automobiles in its category with exceptional torque from the inline 8 cylinder and a beautifully engineered chassis. Packard’s traditionally conservative approach to engineering continued, with an emphasis on reliability, durability and ease of operation. Available as the Eight, Super Eight and Twelve, the 11th series was offered in three lengths of wheelbase and a wide variety of standard and “custom catalog” bodies. LeBaron and Dietrich offered the most prestigious designs and all told, 41 different combinations of wheelbase, engine specification and body style were offered to clients, assuring buyers a high level of exclusivity regardless of the options they chose. One of the rarest and most expensive of the available bodies was the Convertible Sedan. This body offered all-weather comfort combined with open air style thanks to its full folding top and roll up side windows. The curvaceous fenders offset the long, low roofline with fabulous effect, making this one of the most classically beautiful motorcars of the era.

This beautiful 1934 Packard 1101 Convertible Sedan is a very well restored example wearing a very rare and desirable body style. It is one of just seven of its kind known by the Packard Club (out of more than 5,000 units of the 1100-1102 range) and it has earned both the prestigious AACA and CCCA Senior awards. It is finished in a very striking tri-tone combination of a tan main body over black fenders with black and orange highlighting the swage lines and top surfaces. Orange wire wheels shod with wide whitewall tires tie the look together nicely while subtle off-white coach stripes adorn the fenders. It is a very pleasing and attractive color combination that suits the body style quite well. Paint quality is overall very good, with the older restoration still showing exceptionally well, with just a few minor signs of age. Body fit and finish is excellent and it is well detailed with dual sidemount spares, a chrome radiator shell, dual Trippelight driving lamps, dual exterior mirrors and a gorgeous Packard Cormorant mascot. A large period trunk sits atop the original trunk rack, along with a tan cover that matches the top upholstery. The overall look is of a wonderfully restored and exceptionally well-maintained motorcar that is ideally suited for regular use.

The interior is trimmed in cognac leather with very attractive dark brown carpets and nicely restored wood trim embellishing the dash and door caps. The upholstery is in very good order, appearing to have seen little use and very good care since the restoration. The original steering wheel shows some wear in places, but is still lovely and in keeping with the usable spirit of this car. Interior brightwork is excellent and the dash retains its original instruments. The rear compartment features an interesting and seldom-seen addition of a chrome heater duct in the floor as well as dual cigarette lighters and ash trays for rear passengers. The large folding top operates well and the tan material is in very good condition.

Packard’s 320 cubic inch inline eight cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower in original form. Power delivery is silky smooth and the 3-speed synchromesh transmission is an absolute joy to operate. The engine is very nicely presented, showing some signs of use on the restored finishes, but appearing largely correct and properly detailed. The 136” wheelbase makes for a smooth and controlled ride while four-wheel vacuum-assisted brakes aid in making this an exceptionally easy handling automobile. It is this easy-driving character that makes Packards of this era such fine choices for touring. This wonderful example has been treated to an award-winning restoration and remains in outstanding order, with just enough slight patina to encourage regular use. Some maintenance records as well as ownership history will be included in the sale. Status as a senior-awarded CCCA Full Classic makes this fine motorcar eligible for a wide variety of events and tours.