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My wife is quite a movie buff, as well as being fairly well versed in Packard lore, thanks to 41 years with me. She was watching the 1936 William Powell/Myrna Lowe movie today and took a photo of the screen as they were shown riding in a 35 or 36 Packard 12. Can someone confirm the date of the car?

thanks

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Hi

I'll take a stab at it. It's a '36 Eight, Model 1401, Body No. 911 five passenger Phaeton. While it has the optional Twelve bumper, the painted hood louvers and sidemounts that ride high relative to the belt line moulding identifies it as that series. But I defer to those more expert, anyone?

Steve

For reference, a 1935 Eight phaeton from the factory brochure. Chassis 1201, style 811, note the "Ace" style wire wheel covers. Very few differences between 1935 and 1936 Eights. Note the absence of the trim rib on the headlight buckets in the 1935 illustration - does this suggest it's a Super Eight? And yes, it's a Twelve bumper. Images courtesy of Randy Berger.

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I wonder of that's the same car that was used in The Grapes of Wrath. If you remember, near the beginning of the movie the banker comes to tell the family the land they have been living on and farming has been sold and they have to leave. The banker was driving a grey 1935 Packard standard 8 phaeton.




This is the only picture I could find of it online. It has the same wind wings, but I can't tell if it has the spot light or not.

It's not the same car. No spotlight. Unless it was added later. It does have the wheel covers on it though. Here's the you tube link to the video of the car.

youtube.com/watch?v=7JEYHczRar8



And here's another photo.

Every one of the Thin Man movies are superb!! (I think there are 5.) If you have not seen them, you've missed something wonderful. Myrna Loy at her most beautiful is also a plus!

You are one-hundred per cent correct.