The Packard Tenth Series cars arrived at the dealer preview at New York’s Astor Hotel on Friday, January 6, 1933. Edward Macauley, son of Packard President, James ‘Alvan’ Macauley, and now the in charge of the factory styling division, was excited about the 1933 line-up and most complimentary to those who made it possible.

Edward Macauley had been sent abroad to study automotive design on the Continent and attended the Paris and London shows of 1932. When he arrived back in the States, he reported “After driving the best cars in every country visited and after covering their mechanical developments, I can without exaggeration say our Tenth Series cars are far above the best offered in Europe today in all-around performance, riding comfort and styling.”

The 1933 Packard dealer’s “Sales Facts for Packard People” booklet declares that these cars are “the greatest Packards ever built.” They espoused the Packard as being a precision-built platform. The new line of cars was divided into three groups, the Packard Eight, Packard Super Eight, and the Packard Twelve - the latter including cataloged customs from coachbuilders Dietrich and LeBaron. The Packard Eight was available in 14 body styles and ranged in price from $2,150- $2,890. The Super Eight had 12 body styles and the Twelve had 11 bodies available to the adoring public. Thirty-seven models were available in all; quite a selection.

Not only were the cars regarded as beautiful; in appearance they’d been modernized but still retained the now-classic Packard lines. By August, they were discontinued and succeeded by the Eleventh Series. Survivors, as a result, are quite rare. Between the 1001 and 1002 Tenth Series Eights; there were only 2,980 examples reported built.

Beautifully presented with a concours quality restoration, this 1933 Packard Eight Coupe Roadster was delivered (according to the cowl tag) on May 2, 1933 to the W.H. Collins dealership at 6157 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. Fitted with body style 609 (number 52), it runs with the smooth and reliable 120 horsepower, 319.2 cubic inch straight-eight engine that is paired with a floor-shift three-speed manual transmission. The engine has recently benefitted from a complete rebuild by Classic & Exotic Service, Inc., totaling $17,513.94. Invoices for the engine rebuild are included with the car.

The Packard has many of the classic features that truly set this generation of automobiles apart. From the optional dual side-mounted spares and associated covers to the rumble seat windshield and paisley-lined trunk; this Packard also has Trippe Safety Lights, tilt-out windshield, exceptionally detailed wood dash fascia and door trim, stylish instrumentation, finely-crafted leather interior, golf club door, trunk rack, Packard-inscribed mirrors, twin windshield wipers, radiator mascot, skirted fenders, complementary painted wire wheels and blackwall tires.

A prior Classic Car Club of America First Prize Winner in National Competition, this is a wonderful car to show or tour. It will also be welcomed at AACA events and the many local clubs located in cities nationwide. From the first days of ownership, you’ll love its style and beauty. The ensuing months and years will convince you of its precision and durability; with that will come the enjoyment of simply owning a Packard.