Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at Auctions America's
Auburn Fall event, August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
342752
Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000 US
Chassis # 345712, Engine #342752, Vehicle #52112, Steering box
#345877
The Standard Eight Packards for 1932 were an exciting addition to
the Depression-era luxury car market. They were lower, longer and
faster than previous similar offerings from Packard Motor Car
Company. The Standard Eight saw several modifications including an
increase to a 6.0 to 1 compression ratio on the nine main bearing,
319.2 cubic inch straight eight engine. The resulting 110 bhp was
fed to the rear wheels through a three-speed, full-synchromesh
gearbox with vacuum clutch. The new 136.5 inch wheelbase
double-drop frame with cross-bracing featured ride control as
standard, making the Ninth Series Packards smooth and
comfortable.
Despite these improvements, the 902 Packards represented a slightly
less expensive entry point into the luxury car market still
hampered by the effects of the stock market crash of 1929. This
foresight enabled Packard to survive the Depression and maintain
profitability until well into the 1950s, something that other
luxury marques failed to achieve.
This example of the 902, featuring the 521 �Sport Phaeton' body
style, was sold new from the Kahn-designed Packard showroom in
Buffalo, New York on December 24th, 1931. The car was
professionally restored for the show circuit, including an
appearance at the legendary Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and
has been lovingly maintained since. This stately automobile is
nicely appointed with dual cowl-mounted spotlights, dual sidemount
spares, chrome wire wheels, wide whitewall tires, Pilot Ray driving
lights that turn with the steering wheel and the optional Packard
Stone Radiator Guard. The car is presented in a classic color
scheme of blue paint over a blue leather interior with tan
convertible top.
For many pre-war American automobile connoisseurs, an open Packard
represents the height of motoring luxury and sophistication. With
the exceptionally smooth and yet simple to maintain straight eight
engine, this CCCA Full Classic is an ideal choice for any CARavan
event, show field, or anywhere else a truly sophisticated
automobile is appreciated.
