1932 Packard Model 902 Standard Eight Coupe

1932 Packard Model 902 Standard Eight Coupe

This exquisite 1932 Packard Model 902 Standard Eight Coupe, a multiple award winner, epitomizes luxury and refinement. Originally one of the more affordable offerings in the Packard line (priced at $2,655-$3,450 when new), it still embodies the elegance and engineering excellence synonymous with the Packard name. This particular vehicle includes a copy of the sales agreement from its 1933 sale by Washington Motors in Newton, Massachusetts to Mr. Ralph Laffey for $1,650, showcasing its storied past. In 1932, only 3,737 of these coupes were produced, making them quite rare today.

This Packard comes with a 2008 appraisal valuing it at $105,000 when it was in Ontario, Canada. The most recent owner acquired it in 2015 and undertook a meticulous restoration, documented by a 3-ring binder filled with $77,622.41 in receipts. The engine and transmission were rebuilt, the car was disassembled, the wiring was redone, and the chrome was replated ($11,300 for rechroming), among other extensive work. The result is a stunning example of 1932 luxury.

Exterior

The Packard is finished in an exceptionally nice two-tone green paint job with tasteful red pinstriping on the raised darker green portions. The paintwork is excellent, with only a few minor imperfections. The dazzling chrome is abundant, starting with the enormous grille featuring the iconic “Goddess of Speed” ornament and a colorful Packard Crest badge. The grille is flanked by massive chrome headlights, working chrome trumpet horns, and a single 8-inch wide headlamp centered on another chrome bar. The chrome bumper displays a “Packards International” badge.

The hood opens from both sides with dual folding panels featuring 4 manually opened chrome vent doors. Both sides of the Packard feature spare tires embedded in the fenders, encased in green metal covers with chrome bands and side-view mirrors. The tires match the red painted wire wheels with Packard center-caps wrapped in wide white wall bias-ply tires. Chrome-plated step plates with locks and removable tops, running boards with bright chrome trim, and new rubber mats enhance the exterior. The doors have elegant, forward-facing chrome handles, and the black vinyl roof topper looks like new.

A unique feature is the golf bag storage door, a dedicated, carpeted area for stashing clubs. Behind the passenger cabin is a rumble seat with a black leather seat, tan carpet floor, and a footrest bar. The rumble seat latches securely with an interior spring-loaded latch. At the rear, a fold-down luggage rack with chrome accents and another colorful Packard badge supports a large black padded vinyl trunk box containing original and new parts, service manuals, wiring diagrams, and a Max Merritt parts catalog. The rear chrome bumper, taillights, and polished stainless exhaust pipe complete the exterior.

Engine and Transmission

Under the folding hood is the original 319.2ci inline 8-cylinder engine, rebuilt by Beach Performance in Ohio. The engine number matches the 1933 sale receipt. The engine bay is meticulously detailed with Packard Green block, black and green accents, and chrome touches. The intake and exhaust manifolds are coated in porcelain. The engine starts easily and runs quietly, paired with a 3-speed manual synchromesh transmission that shifts smoothly.

Interior

The opulent grey and tan interior features beautiful burled wood accents. The door panels match the grey fabric seats with brown piping and tan carpet. The split bench seat is comfortable, with the driver’s side adjustable. The tight tan cloth headliner includes a working dome light. Tan carpet with carpeted tan floormats, a foot-button start, swing-away accelerator pedal, and chrome floor-shifter are highlights.

The dashboard includes a 100mph speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, oil, temp, battery gauges, clock, pull-out choke, and cigar lighter. The gauges illuminate when the lights are on. Headlights and taillights are controlled by the left lever on the steering wheel, with a working aftermarket blinker system and horn. The “Ride Control” system offers three ride firmness levels. A fresh air vent opens with a lever beneath the dash. The rear window rolls up and down with a window crank, and a retractable silk shade covers the window.

Additional Features

• 319.2ci Inline 8-Cylinder engine (110hp, 6.0:1 Compression)
• Single-Barrel Updraft Carburetor
• Custom-made exhaust
• 6-Volt electrical system with new wiring
• Rebuilt 3-speed synchromesh manual transmission
• Manual drum brakes
• Front and rear leaf springs and shock absorbers with “Ride Control” system
• Abundant mirror-finish chrome pieces
• Black vinyl roof topper
• Rumble seat with tan carpet and footrest
• Service Parts List Book, Standard Service Manual, and wiring diagrams
• Binder full of restoration receipts

Opportunities to own such a high-level example of a 1932 Packard 902 Coupe are rare. This vehicle is in excellent running order and ready for car shows. Don’t miss this chance to be the next caretaker of this phenomenal piece of American automotive history!