LOT 223 •
1924 Packard 136 Single Eight Runabout Chassis no. 204886
Sold for US$42,120 inc. premium
Lot 223•
1924 Packard 136 Single Eight Runabout Chassis no. 204886
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1924 Packard 136 Single Eight Runabout
Chassis no. 204886
Chassis no. 204886
With ample power from the new Single Eight engine introduced in mid-1923 and 350 pounds less weight than the Twin Six it replaced, Packard’s short wheelbase 136 model with lightweight Runabout body came close to being a sports car. Packard responded to the Eight’s performance – as well as to the pressures of competition – by pairing the introduction of the Single Eight engine with four-wheel brakes.
Ingeniously, it combined expanding shoe service brakes at all four wheels with contracting band emergency brakes on the rear drums. Using a system of cables and shafts with inherent equalization provisions, the new system was well-engineered and entered production with a minimum of early problems.
The new four-wheel brakes and eight-cylinder engine were enthusiastically received by both the press and the public, a reception that was enhanced by the handsome, elegant, sporting coachwork that came from Packard’s own body shop. The 234 series Runabout was particularly attractive, featuring both a rumble seat to expand its passenger capacity to four and a neat compartment located above the rumble seat passengers’ knees to store golf bags and luggage. Lightweight and nimble, it exemplified the spirit and freedom of the Roaring Twenties.
The Leonard Collection’s 1924 Packard 136 Single Eight Runabout is typical of the series and period, with dark red body set off by brighter red upper surfaces, black leather upholstery and a natural cloth top. It rides on a set of the attractive steel disc wheels which Packard introduced on the 1924 models and has a single rear-mounted spare, wind wings, drum headlights and the four-spoke all wood steering wheel which was an attractive feature of these Packards.
Its history before it came into Ted Leonard’s possession is not known but at some point it received attention under the hood: an update to a later Super Eight engine. With 385 cubic inches and much updated breathing through improved carburetion, intake and exhaust systems it has something like 145 horsepower, 70% more than the Single Eight made in 1924, making this a singularly powerful and great-performing Packard 136 … and making those 4-wheel brakes a necessity.
Ted Leonard loved to drive his classic cars, and he must have been particularly satisfied with this one, which should perform better than many street rods of the early Fifties. It has been maintained in very presentable and usable condition with good-looking paint, good nickel brightwork and attractive, sound upholstery. The top is aged but serviceable. Attractively equipped and the essence of Jazz Age style and performance, it will reward its new owner with flair and performance that will keep up with the pace of modern traffic while leaving most of its contemporaries in the dust.
Ingeniously, it combined expanding shoe service brakes at all four wheels with contracting band emergency brakes on the rear drums. Using a system of cables and shafts with inherent equalization provisions, the new system was well-engineered and entered production with a minimum of early problems.
The new four-wheel brakes and eight-cylinder engine were enthusiastically received by both the press and the public, a reception that was enhanced by the handsome, elegant, sporting coachwork that came from Packard’s own body shop. The 234 series Runabout was particularly attractive, featuring both a rumble seat to expand its passenger capacity to four and a neat compartment located above the rumble seat passengers’ knees to store golf bags and luggage. Lightweight and nimble, it exemplified the spirit and freedom of the Roaring Twenties.
The Leonard Collection’s 1924 Packard 136 Single Eight Runabout is typical of the series and period, with dark red body set off by brighter red upper surfaces, black leather upholstery and a natural cloth top. It rides on a set of the attractive steel disc wheels which Packard introduced on the 1924 models and has a single rear-mounted spare, wind wings, drum headlights and the four-spoke all wood steering wheel which was an attractive feature of these Packards.
Its history before it came into Ted Leonard’s possession is not known but at some point it received attention under the hood: an update to a later Super Eight engine. With 385 cubic inches and much updated breathing through improved carburetion, intake and exhaust systems it has something like 145 horsepower, 70% more than the Single Eight made in 1924, making this a singularly powerful and great-performing Packard 136 … and making those 4-wheel brakes a necessity.
Ted Leonard loved to drive his classic cars, and he must have been particularly satisfied with this one, which should perform better than many street rods of the early Fifties. It has been maintained in very presentable and usable condition with good-looking paint, good nickel brightwork and attractive, sound upholstery. The top is aged but serviceable. Attractively equipped and the essence of Jazz Age style and performance, it will reward its new owner with flair and performance that will keep up with the pace of modern traffic while leaving most of its contemporaries in the dust.
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| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |