1932 Packard Standard 8 Opera Coupe

The Classic Era was in full swing and by 1932, the splendor of American cars was on full display. Packards are considered some of the best of the time, with a quality and grandeur that was virtually unmatched. Despite the depression, Packard thrived by employing a single production line building a number of models that had interchangeable parts. Still, the “Senior” cars, including the 8-series, continued to be hand built in a now legendary endeavor for quality.

For consignment, what is often referred to as the best-looking Packard in '32, a Standard 8 Opera Coupe. The Opera nomenclature refers to a formality the car possesses while retaining a sporty quality as a coupe. Sophisticated and elegant, this car was consistent with Packard's intended, (and realized), goal to be a celebrated auto manufacturer.

Exterior
Finished in Monarch Maroon and Chatillon Gray livery with black fenders and running boards, the opulence is immediately apparent. Notably, the rear mounted spare tire is a rare feature and veers from the side-mounted tires commonplace in this era. That gives the car a regal yet streamlined stance. The chrome bumpers, horns, light fixtures, wire wheels and grille are spectacular. White wall tires adorn the corners and no other tire would look correct. The Goddess of Speed hood ornament leans proud with outstretched arms being pulled by a wheel. We did note areas of rust bubbles, chipping paint, and scratches in various areas, but standing 10 feet away these flaws are not noticeable.

Interior
The car features beautiful striped, gray cloth upholstery on the front bucket seats, matched nicely with the smooth, gray-paneled doors and carpet. The rear bench seat is also wonderfully patterned in stripes and is a very inviting space with ample leg and headroom. Speaking of headroom, the gray flannel headliner is in very nice condition and caps the interior like a warm blanket. Satin-finished wood steering wheel, dash and trim work seem to be the norm for this vintage, lacking the glossy finish of other makes. Original instrumentation is surrounded by a pewter frame in the center of the dash, and the shifter is floor mounted and topped with a dark knob.

Drivetrain
Under the hinged hood we find the original 320ci inline 8-cylinder in all its glory. It's rated at 110 horsepower…no slouch for 1932, and pumps gas through a single, one-barrel carburetor. A three-speed manual transmission sends those horses to the rear wheels where 4.69 gears set the ratio. As you would expect, mechanical drum brakes are standard.

Undercarriage
Very good driver quality redux with minimal surface rust concentrated mostly on the leaf springs which appear on front and rear. Some seepage observed from transmission and rear differential, but for a car that's nearly 100 years old, we're not complaining. The single exhaust is stock style and appears to be in good condition.

Drive-ability
The legendary Packard 8 does not disappoint. Not only does the engine run smoothly, but you can barely tell it's running, (relative to other cars of the era). And once inside the car, the sound deadens even more, adding to the elegant experience. The large car tracks well with decent power and a soft ride and you get the sense that this is something special. At around $3,000 at the time, (equivalent to $55,000 today), it's no wonder that those who were able, made the Packard choice. Gentle braking brought the coupe to a stop as the enjoyable ride came to an end.

Packards of the 1930's represent a juxtaposition of America at the time. A struggling economy and 20% unemployment and at the same moment, a car company cutting no corners to create an opulent and excellent car that stood head and shoulders above mainstream automakers. The result today is a name synonymous with greatness and an enthusiastic following that recognizes it nearly 100 years later...ask the man who owns one!

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