When America inaugurated a new president in March 1933, Packard still retained its place as the nation’s leading luxury car, as it was prominently placed in the parade on Pennsylvania Avenue. The new Tenth Series had debuted in January and featured two eight-cylinder lines, the Eight and Super Eight, as well as an extensive catalogue of Twelves.

The Tenth Series, offered in a staggering array of 55 body styles on five different wheelbases, proved unusually fleeting. By August, with fewer than 5,000 built, it had been discontinued and succeeded by the Eleventh Series. As a result, survivors are quite rare.

Packard’s last true roadster without side curtains was offered in 1931’s Eighth Series. Replacing it with style was the coupe roadster, the company’s name for a convertible coupe. It retained the roadster’s sporty rumble seat but treated the front passengers to a cozy cabin, complete with roll-up windows. This car is an excellent example.

The current owner purchased it from New Jersey collector David Kane some 25 years ago. It had recently been restored for Kane by Stone Barn Automobile Restoration in Vienna, New Jersey, and afterwards, it earned AACA Junior and Senior awards, as well as CCCA First Prize and Senior recognition, with medallion 1329. In its current ownership, the plaudits have continued, with a Third in Class at the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Following a myriad of awards from local shows, it was accorded CCCA Premier status at the Baltimore Eastern Grand Classic in 1994.

In the years since, it has been enjoyed by its owner and treated to a regular servicing and freshening of the now older restoration. The car has only the most modest blemishes, the blue and silver paint retain a deep shine, and all the brightwork is of show quality. The undercarriage is spotless and painted blue to match the body. The interior and rumble seat are done in medium grey leather, and while showing some age, it is virtually unworn and has no significant flaws. The rumble seat has clever fold-out leather pads at the side, which act as arm rests for the passengers. There is also a golf bag door on the right-hand side. The convertible top is made of a canvas that matches the blue paint and has silver piping.

Similarly, the engine compartment is clean and well-detailed, showing age in only a few areas. The car has Bijur central chassis lubrication and a working Startix starting system. The tires are Lester 7.00x17 wide whitewalls, which are all in good condition.

Fewer than 1,400 Series 1004 Packards in all body styles were built during the short model year. This is an opportunity to acquire a rare and desirable example. It is ready for participation in all CCCA, AACA, and other vintage functions, and it is bound to please a new owner.