Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Can anyone out there verify whether or not these images are of a '34 Packard spotlight OR acceptable o0n a '34 ? It is a Packard switch alright, but there is no other name plate or script on it anywhere, body or light-shell and it looks a bit different (to me) from the spotlight in the Accessories Brochure for 1934.
Thanks,
TomB

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I think that light is from a later car. Probably originally a 110 or 120.

The only sure way to determine origin on those lights is when they were on the car as found. Below are two pictures - one from 1946 of a well accessorized 740 sedan and the other an unrestored 34 Su8. Note the patent plate on the spotlight.

It's such a shame these original cars keep being torn apart and abortionized. I can find lots of original Model A's at realistic prices and even more Model T's.

Sorry to ruin your day.

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If I were to guess, based solely on the handle I would say 38 was the earliest that configuration of the light was available. That is the first appearance I see of the label next to the on/off switch along with the longer knob.

From photos in accessory books, it appears 34 had the long knob but a different switch that looks like it is on the end of the chrome, 36 had a round knob and the switch is also on the end while 38 thru 42 shows the same label, switch lever and long knob as your photos. 46 changed the knob shape and moved the switch.

As to being acceptable, I would bet if an owner of a 34 drove into the dealership in 38 or 39 and asked for a spotlight he would have been sold whatever the dealer had in stock as long as the later version would fit. The chrome finish pieces that fit against the body contour or upholstery might be an issue because of the different bodies. Even if it fits it would not have been the light that was available in 34.

If it does fit, the question today is how many would know the difference and how much of a purist you are and how hard and expensive will it be to find the earlier version of the light in as good a condition as the one you have.

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Tim,
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply and send pictures. You really didn't spoil my day, as I was half of the opinion that it wasn't right for the '34 anyway.
I don't know the story of how the light got to be a solo item, but I agree, its a shame to see these cars get dismantled. Thanks again.
TomB

Hello HH56.
Between you and Tim, I'm learning a lot about spotlights !
And, thank you too, very much, for taking the time to reply and for supplying all the pictures and dialogue. It's now obvious that the light I'm looking at isn't the one that would have been installed in 1934, but like you said, it certainly could have been installed later, and who really knows ?! Since I'm not planning on entering the car at Pebble Beach, I just may go with it anyway ! Thanks again for all the input.
Regards,
TomB