For Sale at Auction: 1932 Packard Eight in Monterey, California

Packard Vehicle No. 53742
Chassis No. 194311
Engine No. 194283

As one of the finest years from the peak-era of the Packard brand, the Steinman Collection's 1932 Eight Deluxe Victoria is a true piece of automotive history. While Packard built fewer than 40 Eight Deluxe Victorias in 1932, far fewer are known to survive. At over 19 � feet long, it displays sheer elegance in steel, canvas, and leather, with a Dietrich design offering exceptional rarity. The car was originally sold by Packard of New York in October 1931, and was signed by the five Packard employees who assembled. Their signatures remain on the inside of the firewall. The Victoria has been featured in numerous books about the history of Packard, and for decades, has been synonymous with David Steinman and the quality of his restorations. Affectionately known in the Steinman family simply as "The 32", it has been the crown jewel of the Steinman Collection for nearly seventy years.

First discovered on his way to a local Philadelphia dive bar in 1956, Steinman, with a fake ID in hand, would first spot "The 32" at a repair shop on the corner of Haines and Magnolia. Although the Packard had seen better days, the young automotive enthusiast saw past the torn top and faded chrome and recognized its potential. Returning home to tell his father about a "Packard like none I've ever seen", his conservative father knew his son had a keen eye for automobiles and agreed to go take a look. After a quick glance, David's father pronounced that he should return tomorrow and bring the Packard home. Returning bright and early the next morning with $500 in his pocket, the repair shop owner explained that he was performing exhaust work and while the owner might sell it, it would be expensive - not a penny less than $325. Worried that if he pulled out all of his money, the price would go up, Steinman reached in, and miraculously pulled out exactly $325! It was clear that he and "The 32" were meant to be together.

Awaiting restoration, "The 32" sat under a tent in his parents back yard for several years. In 1962 Steinman received an offer of $1,200 to purchase it as it sat, but his new bride soon caught wind and dashed to the scene to halt the transaction - for which he would spend the next several decades thanking her. A full frame-off restoration was completed by 1967 and now sporting a sleek black exterior "The 32" began its life anew as a show car. As proudly described by his estate, the only prize short of a first place trophy was at his first CCCA event in 1967 where despite being flawless, the judging team couldn't stomach the idea of giving 100 points to the self-confident 30 year old. To smooth Steinman's feathers, his friend, mentor, and famed Packard enthusiast Bob Turnquist told him that it was a friendly bit of hazing and from then on, the car would be judged solely on merits. Soon, CCCA and AACA trophies piled up, with Steinman rightfully earning a spot on the CCCA board.

Upon moving to Vermont in 1978, Steinman brought "The 32" to the famed Stowe Car Show several years in a row and won Best of Show each time. The show's organizers quietly pleaded with Steinman to leave the Packard at home so someone else could have a chance. The consummate gentleman, Steinman obliged, only to claim the same prize with other cars from his collection! Acquired when he was just 19 years old, this Packard has been affectionately referred to by David's sons as their 'older sibling' and it has been exceptionally well-cared for, including a thorough refresh in the 1990s. With excellent provenance, this stunning Packard Victoria is not only an exceptionally rare example but also a well proven show vehicle that proudly wears its half-century-old restoration.