1939 Packard Super Eight Hearse

Always built to the highest standards, the Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era. Packard watershed styling of 1932 was a fleeting moment of perfection as industry priorities were changing rapidly.

The market was demanding quieter smoother riding cars and drivers were expecting cars with lighter steering and better brakes. These mechanical changes came quickly and Packard struggled to adapt the whole cars to these changes. Up to 1934 the bodies were basically designed for the earlier 1930-32 era cars and the fenders and noses were changed to blend the two.

For 1935 a new line of bodies and fenders better embraced the lower frames and smaller wheels. Packard’s choice of radiator shell designs in 35′ was not one of their better efforts and the cars failed to deliver the looks one expected from America’s premier brand.

For 1936 everything came together perfectly. A new beautifully designed nose and wonderfully proportioned bodies mated to fenders with exquisite lines and handsome curved lower edge. Commissioned in March of 1938 by an upscale funeral home in Virginia, this Super Eight is unlike any other of the period in that it utilizes a V12 Frame, wheels, brakes, and front suspension but relies on an eight-cylinder motor for propulsion.

Due to its early build date, the hearse contains a number of pre-production oddities including a dashboard with 15 unique differences including gauges fitted from behind. Known for their masterful woodworking, the interior contains wonderful details of Madagascar ebony and Honduran mahogany. The rear suspension features a unique hydraulic leveling set up as to maintain a consistent ride height with the casket laid in the rear compartment.

All in, the vehicle cost roughly $10,000 when new. This was an astronomical figure in the period and was double what a fully loaded off-the-shelf model would’ve cost in the same year. Serving its original funeral home until the 1960s, the hearse would go on to be utilized by a rock band for touring.

This Henney Packard presents as a wonderful opportunity to add a one of a kind vehicle to a collection. No other build from the period was produced with the unique combination of Twelve and Super 8 parts, making this perfect for a Senior Packard aficionado. 

The Ron Sturgeon Collection