For Sale at Auction: 1933 Packard Eight in Newport, Rhode Island

Vehicle No. 609 152
Engine No. 371540

The Packard Tenth Series, introduced in January 1933, enjoyed a brief but significant seven-month production run before the company transitioned to a conventional fall release schedule with the Eleventh Series that August. Engineering advancements included a robust X-brace frame, dual coil ignition, and downdraft carburetion, culminating in a refined 120-horsepower eight-cylinder powerplant in the 127.5-inch wheelbase Model 1001. The exterior design introduced gracefully skirted fenders and a distinctive V-shaped radiator shell, while the cabin showcased aviation-inspired instrumentation and premium trim. The abbreviated production cycle created inherent rarity, establishing Tenth Series models like the Coupe-Roadster offered here as significant examples of Depression-era American luxury engineering.

This 1933 Packard Eight Coupe-Roadster is one of only eight Model 1001 Coupe-Roadsters believed to survive from an approximate production run of 205 cars. It is now offered from respected ownership where it received a comprehensive frame-off restoration following extradition from a 42-year ownership starting in 1981.

The subject of a meticulous body-off restoration to concours standards, it presents today in a sophisticated dark blue with silver accents, complemented by a rich chocolate leather interior. The car is comprehensively equipped with desirable period accessories, including dual side-mounted spare tires beneath metal covers, a single Pilot-Ray driving light, and an array of original, hard-to-find details.

Among the most stylish of the Tenth Series body styles, the Coupe-Roadster was also the sportiest, and its 320 cu-in straight-eight, rated at 120 horsepower, delivered performance that made the Packard Eight a remarkable value in its day. Offered publicly for the first time in many decades, this Classic Era Packard is exceptionally well suited to continued concours exhibition or grand touring enjoyment, embodying the pinnacle of American pre-war luxury engineering and design.