The 1939 Packard Series 1700, a testament to American automotive ingenuity, emerged as a symbol of luxury and refinement in the late 1930s. This elegant automobile, with its distinctive design and powerful engine, captivated the hearts of discerning drivers seeking a blend of performance and sophistication.
The Series 1700 embodied the spirit of the era, showcasing Packard’s commitment to crafting vehicles that reflected the aspirations of a nation on the cusp of change. Its sleek lines, meticulously crafted interior, and advanced engineering made it a standout among its contemporaries, solidifying Packard’s position as a leading luxury car manufacturer.
The 1939 Packard Series 1700
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, a luxurious and powerful automobile, marked a significant chapter in Packard’s history, showcasing the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence and design innovation. It was a culmination of Packard’s expertise in creating vehicles that were both stylish and technologically advanced, capturing the spirit of the era’s elegance and opulence.
Design and Features
The Series 1700 boasted a distinctive design that embodied the classic American luxury car aesthetic. The sleek, flowing lines, a hallmark of Packard’s design philosophy, were complemented by a prominent chrome grille and elegant fender lines. The car’s luxurious interior was a testament to Packard’s attention to detail, featuring plush leather upholstery, intricate wood trim, and advanced features for its time.
- Engine:The Series 1700 was powered by a robust 356 cubic inch straight-eight engine, delivering a powerful 160 horsepower. This engine, known for its smooth operation and ample torque, provided a comfortable and exhilarating driving experience.
- Transmission:The car featured a three-speed manual transmission, with a synchromesh system for smoother gear changes. This transmission, combined with the powerful engine, allowed for a seamless and enjoyable driving experience.
- Suspension:The Series 1700’s suspension system, incorporating independent front suspension and a live rear axle, provided a comfortable and stable ride, even on rough roads.
- Brakes:Hydraulic drum brakes, a standard feature in the era, ensured reliable stopping power and enhanced safety.
Design and Styling
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was a stylish and luxurious automobile that reflected the design trends of its era. Its design incorporated elements of both Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles, creating a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
Exterior Design
The Series 1700 featured a distinctive body style with a long, flowing hood, a low-slung profile, and a graceful, sweeping rear. The body was available in a variety of styles, including a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, and a convertible.The grille was a prominent feature of the Series 1700’s design, featuring a vertical arrangement of chrome bars that extended from the hood to the bumper.
The headlights were integrated into the fenders and were often adorned with chrome trim.
Interior Design
The interior of the Series 1700 was just as luxurious as its exterior. The upholstery was typically made of fine leather or cloth, and the seats were generously padded for comfort. The dashboard was a masterpiece of Art Deco design, featuring intricate chrome accents and a variety of gauges.The Series 1700 was also equipped with a number of other luxury features, including a radio, a heater, and a rearview mirror.
Influence of Contemporary Automotive Design Trends
The design of the 1939 Packard Series 1700 was heavily influenced by the contemporary automotive design trends of the late 1930s. The Art Deco style, with its emphasis on geometric shapes and streamlined forms, was particularly popular at the time.The Series 1700 also incorporated elements of the Streamline Moderne style, which emphasized aerodynamic design and smooth, flowing lines.
This style was inspired by the growing popularity of airplanes and other forms of transportation that were designed for speed and efficiency.The combination of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne influences gave the Series 1700 a distinctive and elegant look that was both stylish and modern.
Technical Specifications
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was a marvel of engineering, boasting a powerful engine, a robust chassis, and advanced braking technology. Its technical specifications were a testament to Packard’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Engine Specifications
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was powered by a straight-eight engine, a configuration that was known for its smooth and quiet operation. The engine had a displacement of 356 cubic inches (5.8 liters) and produced 125 horsepower. The engine was mated to a three-speed manual transmission.
Chassis and Suspension
The Packard Series 1700 featured a sturdy chassis made of steel. The front suspension was independent, using coil springs and wishbones. The rear suspension was a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. This combination provided a comfortable ride and excellent handling.
Braking System
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was equipped with hydraulic brakes. The braking system was known for its responsiveness and stopping power. The car also featured a parking brake that engaged the rear wheels.
Production and Sales
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was a successful model for Packard, with a significant production run and strong sales figures. This success was driven by the car’s luxurious features, powerful engine, and appealing design, which resonated with a specific target market.
Production Run
The production run of the Series 1700 spanned from 1939 to 1941. During this period, Packard manufactured a total of 14,678 units, making it a popular model within the Packard lineup. This production volume reflected the car’s appeal and demand in the market.
Target Market
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was targeted towards affluent individuals who valued luxury, performance, and prestige. This market segment included successful business owners, professionals, and socialites who sought a car that reflected their status and taste. The car’s spacious interior, powerful engine, and advanced features catered to the needs and expectations of this discerning clientele.
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, with its elegant design and powerful engine, was a testament to Packard’s commitment to luxury and performance. While the 1939 model exemplified classic automotive design, Packard continued to innovate, as seen in the 1956 Packard Clipper , which introduced a more modern aesthetic and advanced features.
Despite the shift in design philosophy, the 1939 Series 1700 remains a cherished icon of Packard’s golden era, showcasing the brand’s enduring legacy in the automotive world.
Sales Figures
The Series 1700 achieved significant sales success during its production run. In 1939, the first year of production, Packard sold 5,182 units. Sales continued to be strong in subsequent years, with 4,951 units sold in 1940 and 4,545 units sold in 1941.
These sales figures demonstrate the car’s popularity and its ability to capture a significant share of the luxury car market.The success of the Series 1700 was attributed to several factors, including its luxurious features, powerful engine, and appealing design. The car’s reputation for quality, performance, and reliability also contributed to its strong sales figures.
In the context of the time, the Series 1700 represented the pinnacle of automotive luxury and engineering, making it a highly desirable choice for affluent buyers.
Legacy and Influence
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, while not as commercially successful as some of its predecessors, played a significant role in shaping Packard’s identity and influencing future models. Its elegant design, advanced features, and enduring quality left a lasting impact on the automotive landscape.
Impact on the Automotive Industry
The Series 1700’s influence on the automotive industry can be seen in its contribution to the evolving design language of the era. Its streamlined bodywork, characterized by its flowing lines and integrated fenders, set a trend that would be adopted by other manufacturers.
The car’s emphasis on comfort and luxury, with its spacious interior and advanced features, also contributed to the growing demand for upscale automobiles.
Contribution to Packard’s Reputation
The Series 1700 further solidified Packard’s reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality, stylish, and technologically advanced automobiles. Its performance and handling capabilities, combined with its elegant design, reinforced Packard’s image as a maker of prestigious vehicles for discerning customers. The car’s enduring quality and reliability also contributed to Packard’s reputation for building cars that were built to last.
Influence on Subsequent Models
The Series 1700’s design and engineering principles directly influenced subsequent Packard models. The car’s streamlined bodywork and emphasis on comfort and luxury were carried over into the 1940s and 1950s, as Packard continued to produce stylish and technologically advanced automobiles.
The Series 1700’s focus on performance and handling also influenced the development of Packard’s future models, which would become known for their smooth ride and powerful engines.
Notable Examples in Popular Culture and Historical Events
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 has been featured in various forms of popular culture and historical events.
- It appeared in the 1941 film “The Maltese Falcon,” driven by the character Sam Spade, played by Humphrey Bogart.
- A 1939 Packard Super Eight was used as the official car of the 1939 New York World’s Fair, showcasing the car’s status as a symbol of luxury and technological advancement.
- In 1940, a Packard Super Eight was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his presidential campaign, highlighting the car’s association with power and prestige.
Comparative Analysis
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, with its luxurious appointments and powerful engine, competed in a crowded market of high-end automobiles. Understanding its position among its rivals requires a comparative analysis of its design, technology, and features against its contemporaries.
Comparison with Competitors, 1939 Packard Series 1700
The Packard Series 1700 faced stiff competition from other luxury car manufacturers, including Cadillac, Lincoln, and Chrysler. While all these brands offered opulent interiors and powerful engines, distinct differences set them apart.
Design
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was renowned for its elegant and distinctive design. Its long, flowing lines, a hallmark of Packard’s design philosophy, were a departure from the more boxy designs of its rivals. For example, the Cadillac Series 60 Special, though also luxurious, adopted a more conservative and angular approach to its design.
Technology
The Series 1700 incorporated advanced technology for its time. Its 12-cylinder engine, delivering smooth power and refined performance, was a significant advantage over the eight-cylinder engines common in its competitors. The Packard’s advanced suspension system, featuring independent front suspension, provided a superior ride compared to the solid axle setups of many rivals.
Features
The Packard Series 1700 offered a range of luxurious features, including power steering, hydraulic brakes, and an array of comfort amenities. While competitors like the Lincoln Zephyr also offered similar features, the Packard’s attention to detail and craftsmanship contributed to its reputation for luxury and refinement.
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, a luxurious and powerful automobile, was a testament to Packard’s commitment to engineering excellence. Its design, with its flowing lines and imposing presence, set a standard for American luxury cars. While the Series 1700 was a standout model, Packard continued to innovate, and by 1949, they introduced the 1949 Packard Standard Eight , a car that embodied the post-war era’s desire for sleek styling and advanced technology.
The Series 1700, however, remains a cherished classic, representing a golden age of American automotive design.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 had its strengths and weaknesses compared to its competitors.
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, with its sleek design and powerful engine, marked a significant step forward for Packard. This model, however, was a far cry from the grandeur of the 1934 Packard Super Eight , which was known for its luxurious appointments and massive size.
While the Super Eight was a symbol of opulence, the Series 1700 offered a more streamlined and affordable option, attracting a wider range of buyers and cementing Packard’s reputation for innovation and quality.
Strengths
- Distinctive Design:The Packard’s elegant and flowing design stood out in a market dominated by more conservative designs.
- Powerful Engine:The 12-cylinder engine provided a smooth and powerful driving experience that surpassed its rivals.
- Advanced Technology:The Series 1700’s independent front suspension and other technological advancements contributed to a superior ride and handling.
- Luxurious Features:The Packard offered a comprehensive suite of comfort and convenience features, catering to discerning buyers.
Weaknesses
- Price:The Packard’s luxurious features and advanced technology came at a premium price, making it less accessible than some of its competitors.
- Fuel Economy:The 12-cylinder engine, while powerful, consumed more fuel than the eight-cylinder engines found in some rival models.
- Limited Production:The Packard Series 1700 was produced in relatively small numbers, making it less common than other luxury cars of the era.
Visual Presentation: 1939 Packard Series 1700
The 1939 Packard Series 1700, a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering, presented a visual spectacle that captivated the world. This section delves into the car’s key features, design elements, and the impact it had on the automotive landscape.
Key Features
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was a testament to Packard’s commitment to luxury and performance. Its key features included:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 356 cubic inch (5.8 L) straight-eight engine, producing 125 horsepower |
| Transmission | Three-speed manual transmission |
| Body Style | Available in a variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, convertibles, and station wagons |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase: 127 inches (3,226 mm), Length: 207 inches (5,258 mm), Width: 73 inches (1,854 mm), Height: 62 inches (1,575 mm) |
Design and Styling
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was a symbol of elegance and refinement. Its design was characterized by flowing lines, a long hood, and a spacious passenger compartment. The car featured a distinctive grille, with vertical chrome bars that extended from the bumper to the hood.
The headlights were integrated into the fenders, creating a seamless and aerodynamic look. The interior was equally impressive, with plush leather upholstery, wood accents, and a host of luxury features.
“The 1939 Packard Series 1700 was a triumph of design, blending elegance and performance in a way that was truly ahead of its time.”Automotive Historian
Wrap-Up
The 1939 Packard Series 1700 remains a timeless icon, a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American automotive design. Its legacy lives on, inspiring generations of car enthusiasts and serving as a reminder of a bygone era when craftsmanship and innovation were paramount.
