As America inaugurated a new president in March 1933, Packard retained its place as the nation’s leading luxury car, and one of their cars was prominently placed in the inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue. The new Tenth Series had debuted in January and featured as its lead-in the “standard” Eight, which in reality was anything but. As the successor to the Light Eight of the previous year, it marked Packard’s continuing march towards the mid-priced market, but it still remained expensive enough to be rare in this Depression year. More to the point, it was still every bit a Packard, and with 120 brake horsepower under the hood, it was surprisingly fast and powerful. In many ways, it was a performance bargain!

Fewer than 5,000 Tenth Series Packards were produced in all, with the vast majority of them being Senior eight-cylinder models. Only 1,800 Eights were built, and as a result, Eights are rarely found today, particularly the coupe roadster models, like the one offered here.

This car was reportedly delivered new by the Packard dealership in Philadelphia. It was professionally restored in the early 1990s and proudly carries its CCCA Senior badge. As it has seen excellent care and very few miles since, its contours, paint, and brightwork are all very good. The top is of tan canvas and there is a matching boot. The seats are upholstered in buttoned tan leather, with only the driver’s section showing modest use. Brown carpets line the floor, and the instrument panel is nicely restored and features attractive gauges and excellent wood grain. A rear-mounted spare gives the car unusually clean, sporty lines, while the Trippe driving lights and wide whitewall tires are both popular accessories.

This sporty red Packard is ready for participation in all CCCA, AACA, and other vintage functions. It is a rarely seen, attractive example that is sure to be noticed.