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1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six

The Great Depression of the early 1930s was devastating, but Packard remained comfortably perched at the top of the luxury car segment, but despite this prestigious position, its future was uncertain. Packard, initially, remained in good financial health but many fortunes were lost during this time, as prosperity remained an elusive mistress.

1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six photo
Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
View info and history
To remain competitive, Packard introduced a lower-priced Light Eight, while the standard and Deluxe Eight models remained mostly unchanged with slightly larger wheels. Packard focused much time and attention on the top-of-the-line models, trying to ward off the advancements of other marques such as Cadillac and Lincoln.

The new Twin Six, upper-class models, were available on Models 905 and 906. They had wheelbases measuring 142.5 inches (for the 905) and 174 inches (Model 906). Packard's large-displacement engine was designed for silent operation, longevity, and the ability to provide tremendous amounts of torque so that gear-shifting was kept to a minimum. The power was sufficient to propel the quality Packard chassis with authority, irrespective of the size of the coachwork mounted on it.

The Twin Six engine displaced 445.5 cubic inches and produced 160 brake horsepower at 3,200 RPM. It was the work of designer Cornelius Van Ranst, whose resume included the innovative Cord L-29. This new engine was intended for a front-wheel-drive Packard design project, which never entered production. The engine had a narrow, 67-degree vee angle, with the valves nearly horizontal, and actuated by hydraulic tappets. The combustion chamber was located partially within the cylinder block, resulting in the description 'modified L-head.' Packard would fit the engine with a Stromberg dual downdraft carburetor, the first downdraft carburetor used on a Packard.

1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six photo
Dual Cowl Phaeton
Prior to mid-1932, four-speed gearboxes were used. With the higher torque engines, a three-speed manual satisfied the need of the luxury car models. All Packard cars would come equipped with the three-speed gearbox by mid-1932.

Packard continued to offer a wide range of elegant custom bodies, including those by Dietrich, even though they had brought much of the coachbuilt bodies in-house to control cost, quality, and design. This allowed Packard to increase efficiency as well as operating margins. Prices on the Series 905 ranged from $3,650 to $4,090 while the Series 906 ranged from $4,500 to $5,750.

The Packard 905 was offered as a convertible priced at $3,750, a phaeton at $3,790, a Sport Phaeton at $4,090, a rumble seat coupe at $3,650, and a club sedan at $3,900. The sedan was $3,745, the coupe at $3,850, the convertible sedan at $4,400, and a convertible victoria at $4,325. The seven-passenger sedan was $3,900.

1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six photo
Dual Cowl Phaeton
There were just 311 examples of the 905 models produced with sales of the 906s reaching just 238 units for the 1932 models.


by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2019

Related Reading : Packard Twelve History

The Packard Twelve was produced from 1933 to 1939 with over 35,000 examples produced. It is considered by many to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. The long and flowing front hood hid a 445 cubic-inch side-valve twelve-cylinder engine that was refined, powerful, smooth, and quiet. The engine was originally destined....
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1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$2-$3,665
1932 Model 905 Twin Six
$4,400-$8,125
1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six Price Range: $3,665 - $4,400

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1932 Packard Models
$4,200 - $7,250

Twin Six

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
311
142.50 in.
12 cyl., 445.50 CID., 160.00hp
$3,665 - $4,400
236
147.50 in.
12 cyl., 445.50 CID., 160.00hp
$4,000 - $4,200

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