Pre-war car of the week: a Royalty on the Road

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This week’s pre-war car of the week is: a 1932 Packard Super Eight. A Packard in all its glory.

In 1931, America was in the depths of the Great Depression. Luxury car sales were at a low, with Packard producing just 194 of their "Deluxe 8" Rumble Seat Convertible Coupes on the 140" wheelbase. With a price of $3,595 (at a time when the average household annual income was $1,790), few could afford such luxury. By the end of 1931, with the new "9th Series" 1932 models on the way to showrooms, Packard offered dealers the opportunity to upgrade any remaining 1931 models in their inventory with the new 1932 trim. This included adding a 1932 radiator with V-shaped grille and stone guard, V-shaped headlight bar, 9th Series hood with 4 vent doors, double-bar bumper and dual tail-lights. In addition, this car was equipped with the seldom-seen, rear-mounted spare tire option, making a truly sporty package, and no doubt unique.

With the factory upgrades in-place, this car was delivered on February 19, 1932, to the State of Maine. While the early history of the car is unknown, it eventually made its way to California where it recently received a full frame-off restoration to the highest level. The car was taken completely apart and stripped to bare metal. Wood was replaced. The engine and drivetrain were fully rebuilt by Custom Auto Service In Santa Ana, California, one of the foremost Packard rebuilders in the world. Everything was done right, by Packard marque experts. A beautiful oxblood coloured leather interior was created, matching the original patterns and style. Tan Haartz cloth convertible top with oxblood leather piping. All chrome was re-plated. Just a few months ago the car was fully painted by Tom Black of Portland, who is one of the finest classic automobile painters in the world. Correctly finished with Packard Blue body, black fenders and beltline, and oxblood maroon pinstripe (to match the interior.) It is absolutely stunning from every angle.

The car has about 400 miles since completion. The engine runs whisper-quiet at idle. Smooth acceleration and legendary Packard torque and power. This is the big Super 8 engine: 384 cubic inches, 9 main bearings, 120 Horsepower. Packard's top-of-the-line 8 cylinder engine in 1931/32. Rebuilt 4-speed manual transmission shift crisply. 19" disc wheels with excellent wide whitewall tires. 4-wheel mechanical brakes stop this 4,523 pound work of art smooth and straight. Auxiliary electric fuel pump added but is never needed. In March of 2018, an electronic custom built overdrive unit was added from Gear Vendors.

This Packard is truly a pleasure to drive. I have owned 125 prewar classics and I can truly say this is the most beautiful car I have ever driven. I had always told myself that if I were ever own a Packard, it would have to be Packard blue with Ox Blood red leather interior. So here you go!

The stunning colour combination of Packard Blue with black fenders, and Ox Blood red leather interior and Haartz Cloth tan top cannot be beaten. This is a matching numbers car and without question, the finest in the world. See this 1932 Packard Super Eight for sale in our online Marketplace. Currently at $270000 USD.

Words and photographs by Tom Griffith.

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