Re: Survival rates of pre-war cars

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/1/15 9:55:00

Jim Pearsall probably has the most extensive set of data on surviving Classic-era Packards and he is probably the best authority on this aspect of these cars. His data was used in my study of the thief-proof numbers. To pick another example as Fred has done, for the 1934 Eight, style 1100 (5 pass. sedan on 129" wheelbase), the actual number made is unknown but it was the highest production model of the year (total production in 1934 was 8000 units) and the highest sequential # known is 25XX, meaning about 2500 made. About 75 survivors were known of perhaps 25 years ago, probably the # is more like 100 today. The other Eight chassis and body styles, as well as the Super 8s and Twelves, probably have higher survival percentages, though much lower production.

Anyone with an interest in the survivors of a particular year and model would do well to contact Jim.