Vehicle Description
Packard took an evolutionary approach to the new 8th Series which
debuted in August of 1930, choosing to make subtle refinements over
sweeping changes. The car debuted at the height of the Great
Depression, so sales expectations were low, and while the 8th
Series lived up to the standard expected from Packard, there was
little their dealers could do to curtail falling sales due to the
struggling economy. Putting economic worries aside, the 8th Series
was a particularly fine motorcar. The range consisted of the base
826, deluxe 833, and the flagship 840/845 models, their respective
model numbers relating to the wheelbase in inches. Packard improved
the base engine by utilizing the larger valves and intake ports of
the outgoing 734 Speedster. Horsepower output for the 833 was now
at an even 100, while the larger 840 and 845 made 120 horsepower.
Stylistic changes were minimal, carrying over the same confident
elegance of the previous model. The 833 range offered the most
variety, with eleven catalog body styles available. As the
entry-level 826 was sold only as a sedan, the 833 provided
customers a broader array of equipment, style, and luxury. Despite
all of the promise, sales of the 8th Series were down across the
board, totaling 15,450 cars in total. By comparison, Packard sold
more 726 sedans than they did all of the 8th Series. In a desperate
attempt to boost sales, they decided to roll out the substantially
revised 9th Series well ahead of schedule in June of 1931. Even
during these trying times, Packard weathered the storm of the Great
Depression far better than most of their luxury car counterparts,
and they continued to produce America's finest cars throughout the
Classic Era, even if they happened to be in smaller numbers than
expected. Presented here is a lovely Packard 833 wearing
rarely-seen 5-passenger coupe coachwork from the factory catalog.
We seldom encounter closed cars restored with such attention to
detail, and this gorgeous example is undoubtedly a refreshing
sight. Records reveal the first owner was from Buffalo, New York,
although little else about the earliest history is on file. The
recent history picks after being acquired by Mr. J. Bowshier, who
purchased the Packard from a widow living in Springfield, Ohio. At
the time he discovered it, the 833 was a superbly preserved,
unrestored car displaying 50,000 miles on the odometer. He left the
Packard mostly untouched except for making it roadworthy and
maintained it in his collection for several years. It traded hands
to a collector in Michigan who, in 2011 commissioned the very
high-quality restoration the car wears today. After carefully
stripping the original coachwork to bare metal, the car was
refinished in this striking two-tone livery of Riverhead Green and
Bonaventure Green, finished off with a bold red stripe. At the same
time, restorers rebuilt the engine and added a Borg-Warner
overdrive unit behind the original four-speed gearbox for improved
touring ability. The most recent owner is a collector and driving
enthusiast, who has maintained this lovely Packard in outstanding
condition. The two-tone green paintwork is a particular highlight,
finished to a very high standard with a glassy-smooth finish and
beautiful detailing. Similarly, the brightwork is outstanding with
concours-quality plating on the headlamps, bumpers, and body
fittings. Accessories include a chrome radiator stone guard,
Depress Beam headlights, Goddess of Speed mascot, sun visor, dual
side-mount spares with chrome covers, and a trunk rack. Blackwall
Excelsior tires mounted on green painted wire wheels with chrome
rings, and hubcaps lend a sporty, purposeful appearance. Inside the
spacious five-passenger cabin, gray twill upholstery covers the
seats and interior panels. The upholstery is in excellent
condition, including the gray carpets and headlining. Features
include privacy roller-blinds in the rear windows, beautiful
woodgrain trim, and upholstered sun visors. A pleasing feature of
this body style is the roll-down rear quarter windows, which,
combined with the opening door glass and hinged windscreen allow
for an open and airy passenger compartment. Switches and
instrumentation are in excellent condition, including the art-deco
McCord heater in the passenger's footwell. The most recent owner
enjoyed driving all of the cars in his collection, and this Packard
833 was no exception. It has been kept in top mechanical order,
while still presenting well enough for casual shows and club
events. The 320 cubic-inch inline-eight has the correct Detroit
Lubricator updraft carburetor and displays correctly in Packard
green paint on the block with a silver crankcase. Under-hood
presentation is that of a former show-quality car that has seen
some miles, properly finished with light signs of age. Similarly,
the undercarriage is appropriately neat and tidy for an excellent
tour car. With superb colors and an outstanding restoration, this
rare Packard 833 Coupe is a marvelous choice for the enthusiast
seeking a beautifully prepared, CCCA Full Classic for touring and
show. It represents a tremendous value, with a beautiful
restoration that could not be repeated for the asking price. Offers
welcome and trades considered