1931 Packard 840

The Packard 840 Series marked the first of the “DeLuxe Eight” designation, which was Packard’s high-end line for 1931, a step up from the “Standard Eight.” Introduced in September 1930, the DeLuxe Eights received a larger engine with a greater output and other mechanical refinements versus the Standard Eight. Production of the 840 Series numbered 2,035 examples. The body number is 491, which was designated for the four-passenger Sport Phaeton body style. Only 114 Sport Phaetons were produced. This Packard displays several optional upgrades, including dual side-mount tires, luggage rack, wire wheels, chromed grille guard, center “Pilot-Ray” headlight, and side windows on both the front and rear windows called “windwings.” Unfortunately, 1931 marked the start of a downturn in production and sales for Packard, getting worse until their turnaround in 1935.