- Documented by Brewster factory records
- A well-accessorized and seldom seen Brewster bodied Packard
- Classic Car Club of America Full Classic®; Eligible for a wide range of events
LOT 135
Selling on Friday
Coachwork by Brewster
1937 Packard 1502 Super Eight Town Car
While Packard surprised industry watchers with the launch of its new "Junior" models in 1935, the venerable luxury car company continued to satisfy its loyal high-end clients with the prestigious Twelve, supplemented by the new Super Eight. Introduced in September 1936 for 1937, the new Super Eight formed part of Packard's Fifteenth Series and was available with three wheelbase lengths, with ample power delivered by the superb 320-cubic-inch, L-head straight-8 engine of the prior Fourteenth Series.
A fascinating Packard Super Eight, as it is fitted with a Brewster-built Town Car body, it is understood that this body was originally constructed for one of the limited-production Brewster-Fords of the mid-1930s. According to Brewster records, body number 9016 was delivered to the Ford Motor Company on August 16, 1934, and sold to E. J. Bermingham, a businessman from Chicago, Illinois. The chassis records also add, "Chassis re-sold to Universal Auto Wreck. Body mounted on Packard Super 8 for Mr. B.," strongly suggesting that Mr. Bermingham's Brewster-Ford was wrecked, and he elected to have this Brewster body fitted to this Packard Super Eight chassis. The work is believed to have been performed in March 1939, and according to a previous owner, Brewster expert Don Weir, it is very likely that Brewster performed the body fitment, considering the records kept regarding this work along with the quality of the body installation.
A proud recipient of a previous comprehensive restoration that still presents well today, this '37 Packard 1502 Super Eight is finished in an appealing two-tone dark blue paint scheme that is complemented by gray pinstripes. Period accessories and features can be found equipped throughout the exterior, which includes a "Goddess of Speed" radiator mascot, Packard script Trippe speed lights, dual side-mounted spares in steel cases, dual rearview mirrors, and a luggage rack with a covered trunk.
Under the long steel folding hoods, lies a nicely detailed and clean engine bay. The 135-horsepower 320-cubic-inch inline-eight-cylinder engine has been gone through and is ready to be thoroughly enjoyed on the road. The introduction year for independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, its Packard driving experience is only further elevated by its three-speed synchromesh manual transmission.
This Packard is an ideal choice for CCCA CARavans, as the cabin is very spacious and there is ample room for six. The "chauffeur's quarters" are lined in black leather upholstery and tan carpeting, which are complemented by a banjo steering wheel, a very appealing instrument panel, and a McCord under-dash heater. When the weather is ideal, the roof panel can be removed for increased natural "air-conditioning." The rear compartment is equally comfortable and is separated by a sliding glass division window. Appearing to retain most of its original cloth interior, other amenities include folding jump seats, vanity compartments, roll-down privacy blinds, and a Waltham eight-day clock.
Shown at the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance in California as well as numerous Packard Club events, this '37 Packard 1502 Super Eight, with its unique and rare Brewster body, will surely be a pleasant addition to further Packard events, CCCA judging events, or floating down the open road as a participant of a CARavan tour.
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