Vehicle Description
Packard's rich and fascinating history is full of ups and downs,
spectacular success, and a handful of failures. The notoriously
conservative board of directors was often at the epicenter of
Packard's dramas, and their decisions sometimes went against the
best judgment of the engineers. From the mid-1920s onward, the
board debated adding an "entry-level" model to the portfolio that
could help broaden Packard's appeal and provide some padding to the
bottom line. Prototypes existed as far back as 1927, but with
traditional business booming, the idea of developing a mid-priced
car was considered too frivolous by the board. Besides, the mere
mention of a "cheap" Packard sent dealers and distributors into a
panic, fearing such a car could tarnish Packard's impeccable
reputation. The reality of the Great Depression changed quickly
changed attitudes at the September 1931 board meeting. Stocks of
unsold Eighth Series cars were piling up at dealers, and with
profits falling, the board took dramatic action and authorized a
new mid-market vehicle in the same mold as the LaSalle, Buick
90-series and top Hudson and Nash models. Codenamed "X-127," the
new car was developed in record time for introduction at the 1932
New York Auto Show. Officially known as the Light Eight in sales
and marketing literature, it was also referred to as the 900-Series
in service and internal documents. Today's enthusiasts often refer
to the 900 by the nickname "Shovelnose," for it's bold,
distinctive, and very un-Packard-like curved radiator grille. The
design of the Light Eight came courtesy of Packard's in-house chief
stylist Werner Gubitz. Along with the dramatic grille, there was no
headlamp tie bar to spoil the lines, and the body featured a high
beltline, low roof, and lovely sweeping fenders. Packard offered
the 900 in four body styles, and despite starting at less than
$2,000, dealers were relieved to find the car exuded the quality
and prestige expected of a Packard. The 900 shared its 320
cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine with the Eight, yet the 600-pound
weight advantage and new synchromesh gearbox imparted surprisingly
lively performance, earning it another nickname: "The Hot Rod
Packard." Despite its apparent advantages, dealers weren't well
trained on how to sell the car, and just 6,750 Light Eights found
homes before the model was prematurely axed by management after
only one year. Today's collectors covet the Shovel Nose for its
unique looks, snappy performance and rarity. They enjoy Full
Classic status with the CCCA and are wonderfully suited for tours
and driving events. This striking 1932 900 Light Eight is a sporty
and highly desirable two/four-passenger coupe, lovingly restored
from the ground up over ten years by its most recent owner. A
passionate car collector, restorer, and active AACA member with
numerous restorations under his belt, he discovered this rare
Packard outside of Buffalo, New York in the early 2000s. He brought
the car home to Ohio where he and his family began the painstaking
process of restoring the car to concours standards. Penn-Dutch
Restorations of Glen Rock, PA was called in to perform the body
restoration, paint, and detailing. The Packard was carefully
stripped and refinished in a handsome two-tone combination of
Monarch Maroon on the main body, accented with black chassis,
fenders, and feature lines as well as a gold stripe. According to
factory literature, the colors align with Packard's optional Paint
Scheme C, which was one of several standard color combinations
offered on the Light Eight, though buyers could, of course, select
any colors they liked for an additional $90. Options and
accessories fitted to this car include dual side-mount spares with
polished covers, wire wheels, trunk rack, and the Goddess of Speed
radiator mascot, traditionally reserved for Packard's sportier
models, of which the Light Eight certainly qualifies. The faux
cabriolet top is correct, as every 900 coupe was fitted with an
upholstered roof. The restoration is excellent, with a beautifully
finished body and paintwork, high-quality brightwork and superb
detailing. Stunning woodwork and the wood-grained dash are
particular highlights of the two-passenger cabin, which also
features antiqued brown leather on the seats and door cards, with
complementary tan square weave carpets. Detailing of the upholstery
and fittings is up to the standard set by the exterior. The seat
shows some signs of moderate use acquired in the time since the
restoration was completed in 2012. Instruments and controls are
correct, and the car features factory-fitted ride-control as well
as the vacuum operated automatic clutch control on the steering
wheel. The same rich, dark brown leather is used on the rumble
seat, which presents in excellent condition. Packard's robust 320
cubic-inch L-head inline eight presents in fine order under the
hood. Tidy and clean, the engine is properly detailed with
period-type clamps, wiring, and plumbing. Finish quality on the
block and crankcase is good, while the black porcelain manifolds
appear in tidy condition. It has been driven and enjoyed since the
restoration; however it remains quite clean overall. The
substantial history file includes parts and restoration receipts,
copies of period literature, ownership documents and an original
handbook. Following its outstanding restoration, this Packard was
shown in numerous AACA events, earning its First Junior at the 2012
Southern Fall Meet, and a Senior National First Prize at the Auburn
Spring Meet. It was also shown at the 2012 Glenmoor Gathering. In
the time since the restoration has matured while remaining worthy
of display in regional concours and club events today. Such is the
Light Eight's rarity, exquisite style, and historical importance,
it qualifies as a CCCA Full Classic and is thereby eligible for
CARavan tours and Grand Classic events, where the brisk and lively
performance that makes the 900 so desirable can be fully
appreciated.
