1924 Packard Single Eight Model 136 Sports Tourer (RHD)

Description

The patrician Packard straight eights are amongst the most coveted of all American classics, with superb engineering, wonderful styling and a build quality of the highest standard - the Packard was in a class of its own.  That Packard were able to survive the Great Depression, a time when huge numbers of automobile manufacturers disappeared, and managed to sell relatively large numbers abroad is further proof of the inherent quality found in these cars.  By the mid-Twenties, various advances had been made, including front wheel brakes in 1924 and central chassis lubrication the following year.  Replacing the Twin Six as the flagship model in 1924, Packard introduced the all-new Single Eight powered by a powerful straight eight boasting nine main bearings, full pressure lubrication and a 2-4-2 crankshaft for vibration-free operation.  Displacing 357-8 cubic inches and forming the basis of every Packard straight eight produced before the war, the new engine featured a detachable cast-iron head, cast iron block with an alloy crankcase and sump and produced 85 horsepower at 3000 rpm.  Two series of chassis were offered, the Series 136 and longer-wheelbase Series 143, while the low-slung chassis allowed for more rakish coachwork and nine individual models were catalogued, ranging from closed coupes and sedans to the fabulous Sports Touring offered here.  Another notable feature on the 1924 Packard was the first use of brakes on all four wheels.  Based on the shorter 136-inch wheelbase, the Sport Model (246) is arguably one of the most desirable Packards of the 1920s, a four-passenger touring with a lower radiator, bonnet and generally sportier lines than the standard touring bodywork.  Other features include a second windscreen for rear passengers (a forerunner to the Dual Cowl Phaetons of years to come) and a lockable tool compartment combined with a footrest for rear seat passengers.  Few of the Packard Single Eight Sports survive to the present day, making this very special car even more desirable and they rarely come on the open market.  Packard's customers were a loyal bunch and this was reflected in their advertising slogan of the era, namely "Ask the man who owns one".