1931 Packard Standard Eight

1931 Packard 833 Standard Eight 461 Phaeton Chassis No. 461119 Engine No. 325565 Exterior Color Cream with Black Running Boards Interior Color Tobacco Leather Engine 320 cu. in. inline 8 cylinder Transmission 4-speed manual Current Miles 11,802 miles Current Owner Purchased in 2024 History of Packard Although Packard was well established by the time the Great Depression impacted numerous American companies, Packard was bolstered by military and marine contracts which allowed the automotive division to continue offering stately examples of their Standard Eight, Super Eight, and V12 models. For the 1931 model year Packard still dominated the luxury segment, smartly bringing coachbuilding inhouse to increase profits. As many as eleven body styles could be selected including the desirable Phaeton which was a stately five passenger car powered by the impressive inline standard eight engine capable of a robust 100hp mated to an optional 4-speed synchromesh manual transmission. Over the years, these elegant open Packards have become synonymous with American pride from an era of motoring excellence that will never be repeated. Although nearly a century has passed since these were first built, the elegance and impressive presence of a Packard Phaeton continues to impress generations of enthusiasts. Just Ask the man who owns one. History of this Packard Phaeton Believed to be a five-owner car with father and son being the third and fourth documented owners. Records support more than 70 years of enthusiast care with the current and sixth owner having thoughtfully retained several original documents and ownership manuals validating the long-term ownership. According to the chassis plate, this Packard was completed in March 1931 and purchased through Packard Motor Cars, Boston, MA where it remained for most of its life. According to the prior owner and reference documentation supplied with the car, the third owner of record, Mr. Miller H. Nichols purchased this Packard from the second owner, Gordon Stoyle for $15.00 on September 4th, 1953. Stoyles name is noted on the bill of sale and written in the original owners manuals. Records also indicate that the engine block was replaced in 1935, possibly by Packard (11-35 casting date on the block and 9-22-30 casting date for the head). Printed records with the car indicate Mr. Nichols retained the car in Arlington, MA through the 1990s and into the early 2000s when his son, David Nichols became the fourth owner. By 2005, the car was restored and refinished in factory colors, remaining in the Nichols family ownership spanning more than half a century until it was sold to the fifth and previous owner, a Virginia based doctor, who retained the car for almost 20 years until it was sold to the current owner in April 2024. Under current ownership the fuel tank was boiled out, the carburetor replaced with a new unit, all fluids were changed, a new battery installed, and six new wide white wall tires purchased from Coker tire. Current Condition Today this Packard presents in driver condition, poised and confident, ready for local shows and Packard Club events. The two-tone paint was applied in 2005 but retains a smooth and elegant finish. The plated features are very good throughout with some small areas showing minor pitting to the chrome, while exterior details are consistent in fit and finish and the polished metal trim is complete and correct. A pair of large diameter headlights adorn the front of the car with matching Trippe driving lamps mounted below. The radiator shell is highly polished, and the chrome bumpers are in excellent condition. A set of Firestone High Speed 6.50-19 heavy duty 6-ply whitewall tires are mounted on solid steel wheels finished in chocolate brown with cream pinstripes. A set of side mounted spare tires with contoured steel covers are mounted at the cowl and finished in matching body color cream. The flowing front to rear fenders are finished in black with fender mounted front turn indicators, rubber covered running boards, and a single cluster combination brake light mounted on the drivers side. A removable steamer trunk is mounted on the rear luggage rack which can be dismounted and the luggage shelf hinged up, away from the rear bumper. The open configuration is quite unique featuring glass rear cowl passenger dividers that reduce wind when driving and create a cozy feeling to the rear seating compartment when the canvas top is raised in position. The canvas top is in excellent condition having been installed when the car was restored in 2005, it raises and lowers smoothly with both the inside and outside material in excellent condition. The interior is finished in a handsome two tone combination of tobacco colored vinyl for the front and rear seats with brown leather door panels, tan carpeting, and a painted dashboard. The five-digit mechanical odometer indicates 11,802 miles and the remaining gauges appear to be original to the car. Approximately 100 miles have been driven under current ownership. The articulated rear glass structure can be adjusted to a range of positions and creates a nice buffer to high speed winds when touring - an excellent addition for family touring events in this stately elegant Packard. The engine starts and operates smoothly. Shifting is easy via the 4-speed synchromesh transmission and braking consistent for the era with overall driving manners surprisingly brisk and handling impressive particularly considering the wheelbase and ample seating capacity. The engine compartment is clean and correctly presented reflective of an accurate restoration though showing patina since the restoration was completed. Rare in number and often found with mechanical needs, this particular example runs, starts, and drives very well having benefited from recent fuel service, a new carburetor, and fluid changes. The underside of the car is also in very good condition, displaying a combination of handsomely aged original components and restoration. This Packard is accompanied by a file box folder filled with prior ownership reference notes and information, a set of original service manuals and owners manuals, a convertible top cover, canvas side curtains, a battery tender, and various tire changing tools. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase one of the most elegant examples of American automotive elegance and engineering. Ready for Packard Club events and outings, local shows, and enjoyable tours, this Packard Phaeton is sure to bring out the elegance and grace of this era for anyone who enjoys vintage classics from the 1930s. Please note that this car is titled on a clean Illinois State title using the engine number as the VIN. This practice was common at the time and is referenced as far back as 1953 in the Bill of Sale for the third owner.