Vehicle Description
Beautiful resto-mod Packard with all the upgrades. 5.3-liter LS V8,
4L60E 4-speed automatic, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, A/C,
power windows, and more! Spectacular interior by Johnny Miller.
Runs and drives extremely well!Blending old and new isn't always
easy to do. You've seen all the questionable rods out there with
odd proportions, comical wheels, and just plain awful paint jobs.
But what about a resto-mod that almost invisibly merges old and new
to create something very special? This handsome 1932 Packard 902
2-passenger coupe is just such a vehicle. At a glance, it certainly
looks like a Packard should: big, formal, and imposing. The
proportions are exactly right and it hasn't been chopped, lowered,
channeled, or tweaked, so it has all the styling designed into it
in 1932. Maybe it's a little more streamlined than before?no
sidemounts, no driving lights, no horns, and even a plain cap on
the radiator just to keep things clean. But up close, the Packard
details shine through, including the beautifully chromed grille
shell and bumpers that add the right amount of sparkle against the
dark Westminster Blue paint. Out back, the luggage rack has been
deleted, but the original taillights remain, now filled with LED
bulbs for improved visibility. Panel fit is quite good and the
doors close with a typical 1930s THUNK, so it still feels like a
Packard when you open and close the door. The hood latches have
been modified to modern pushbutton-style releases, but that's
really the only notable change. And if you're concerned that some
priceless artifact was taken out of circulation to build this
handsome coupe, don't worry?it was a basket case that was little
more than a frame and half a body. There's a ton of time and money
invested here and it really paid off.That stunning tan leather
interior was hand-crafted by noted professional Johnny Miller,
whose custom work is featured in award-winning street rods at every
major show. Here, he toned it down a bit, aiming for something that
blends in a little better with the Packard's 1930s sensibility.
Like the exterior, it could almost pass for stock. We applaud the
fact that they kept the original steering column and wheel, the
factory garnish moldings (still real wood!), and the factory bench
seat. The lovely leather hides are worlds softer than what they
were using in 1932 and the Mercedes-Benz carpets give it a
sophisticated look. Gauges are by Classic Instruments and fit in
the original dash panel, which has also been faced in matching tan
leather. Controls are simple, with a turn signal toggle on the far
left, headlights and ignition switch by the gauges, and controls
for the Vintage Air A/C system and custom stereo hidden in the
original glove boxes. Other thoughtful touches include a USB port
on the dash, some storage under a cover behind the seat, and LED
lighting throughout. Even the shifter handle looks authentic and
there's a spoon-style accelerator, as original. Stainless trim on
the headliner really gives it a dressed-up look and the custom
panel below the windshield proudly spells out 'PACKARD.' In back,
the rumble seat has been converted to a spacious, fully-upholstered
trunk that's easy to access with a gentle push on the rumble seat
lid. A custom cover hides the battery and wiring, making everything
seamless.The engine is a General Motors 5.3-liter LS V8 that was
purchased from the GM Proving Grounds with fewer than 10 miles on
it. With an iron block and aluminum heads, it makes a nice, round
300 horsepower?enough to make the Packard feel appropriately fleet
without being over-bearing. Thanks to the wonders of OEM fuel
injection, it starts quickly, idles smoothly, and generally works
like it should without any fuss. With the hood open, the transplant
is easy to spot and we kind of appreciate that they didn't make any
fake Packard covers to try to hide what it is?this is a functional
machine and with the LS's reputation, there's really no reason to
try to disguise it. A custom aluminum radiator is cooled by a
massive electric fan, and service access is excellent with parts
available at any auto parts store. It's backed by a 4L60E 4-speed
automatic transmission with overdrive, so it's an outstanding
highway cruiser that runs at modern speeds without breaking a
sweat. The front suspension is a Fatman Fabrications heavy-duty
crossmember with A-arms and coil-over shocks, while there's a
familiar Ford 9-inch with a 4-link and coil-overs in back. 4.11
gears and 28-spline Mosier axles help get the heavy Packard
rolling, but with the tall tires and deep overdrive, it still just
loafs along on the highway. There's also a disc brake at each
corner and power rack-and-pinion steering makes it effortless even
at low speeds (although this big car does have a rather large
turning radius). There's a dual exhaust system that sounds
appropriate?muscular without being loud, because that just wouldn't
do on a Packard. Beautiful 17-inch Wheel Smith lip-laced wire
wheels are the right choice, with hubs custom machined to fit
original Packard hubcaps. Finally, it sits on 7.50R17 Michelin wide
whitewall radials from Diamondback Classic Tires for a vintage look
and modern comfort and handling.We understand that a modified 1932
Packard isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's obvious that this
build respected the original design and kept the Packard's soul
intact. It takes skill to create such a convincing illusion and
blend it with modern performance. If you've wished for a big 1930s
coupe that has all the modern conveniences, this is a fantastic
choice. Call today!NOTE: This vehicle is titled as a 1932
Packard.Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.