1932 PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT MODEL 903 DUAL COWL PHAETON
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1932 PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT MODEL 903 DUAL COWL PHAETON

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1932 PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT MODEL 903 DUAL COWL PHAETON
Chassis No. 193058
Engine No. 193087
Beige with light peach fenders and beltlines with color matched pinstriping and tan leather interior with a tan top
Engine: L-head, straight eight, 384.8ci., 135bhp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: four-speed manual with reverse; Suspension: front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel mechanical. Left hand drive.

The Ninth Series Packards are among the pinnacle models of the luxury American car maker. Packard had been making limited physical and mechanical improvements incrementally to the cars as the Depression affected market required a more sensitive car maker. They astutely listened to and followed the voices of the people and their Ninth Series model line reflected the cleverness and intelligence of the top executives. A new marketing strategy was employed and received quite a positive response. They prefaced much of their promotion and advertising with the following quite continental statement, As modish as Matisse in painting, as late as Georg Jensen in silver, as modern as an architectural design by Frank Lloyd Wright, as recent as Debussy in music and as new as Brancusi in sculpture. All in all Packard, by the years end, would be able to look back at the decisions of 1932 and congratulate themselves on a job well done.
That year Packard utilized a new frame construction as well. Essentially, the new chassis frame, which utilized a double drop design that also incorporated an additional frame bracing through the middle, allowed for the newly designed bodies to be mounted a full inch and a half lower on the chassis. Other improvements included a synchromesh three speed gearbox cased in aluminum. This allowed the Packard two distinct advantages; a much lighter gearbox and, more significantly, an extra low gear for lighter driving as well as synchronizing for the second and third gears. Other improvements included making the manifold hot spot integral with the exhaust manifold to increase heat flow and reduce the warming up period, as well as the employment of a combination AC air cleaner and intake silencer. Incidentally many of the improvements were mechanical and thus unseen and at times unnoticed. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of the new car market seemed to point to the more modest physical improvements rather than any type of drastic change. This said, the light physical changes adopted on the 1932 Ninth Series cars were subtle, tasteful and well-received. With a top speed in excess of 85mph and the capability of reaching 60mph in less than 18.8 seconds, there was little doubt about the performance capabilities of these gorgeous new motor cars.
This fabulous example was purchased by Mr. Browning in 1983 from Mr. John Lundberg. After receiving the Packard, Mr. Browning commissioned a frame off restoration that involved restoring the car to absolutely correct standards. The color choice of beige and light peach represents two of Mr. Browning's favorite colors for these American Classics. We understand that the Packard was restored by a favored Utah local restorer, while the interior was redone by former Harrah Automobile Collection manager, Mr. Clyde Wade. Currently, the Packard shows just under 65,000 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be correct from new.
The Packard is complete with many correct features including C.M. Hall Depress Beam headlamps and spotlamps, grille guard, Jaeger eight day clock, dual sidemount spares with covers and mirrors and a Packard trunk with fitted luggage. Today the car is in absolutely pristine condition. It has been extremely well cared for and mechanically maintained, and on a recent short distance test drive the Packard ran quite well. The tan leather interior is in highly presentable restored condition. This stunning example is of course considered a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America and would be a welcome addition at any concours, tour or event nationwide. These Ninth Series DeLuxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaetons remain among the Packard Motor Car Company's finest motor cars ever produced and this example is undoubtedly one of the finest restored examples extant. They are quite rare and we encourage close inspection of this 1932 Packard to truly appreciate the overall breathtaking condition and appearance of this motor car.

WITHOUT RESERVE
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