1932 Packard Model 903 Deluxe Eight Phaeton

Packard introduced its Ninth Series in June of 1931, nearly eight months ahead of the typical new model introduction. The Standard Eight Series 901 and 902, the Deluxe Eight Series 903 and 904, and the Individual Custom Eight, also under the Series 904, received significant updates over the short model run of the preceding Eighth Series. In January, Packard further astounded the automotive community with the introduction of the new Light Eight, its first medium-priced automobile, along with the return of the Twin Six V-12 at the upper end of the company's price spectrum.

The straight-eight engine received a new compression ratio, increasing the power on the Deluxe Eight model to 135 horsepower. With the addition of a new air cleaner, engine noise was reduced in an effort to do away with the aspirating noises of the carburetor. Engine noise was eliminated even further with the addition of new rubber engine mounts. The chassis grew to 142.5 inches, and its running components were redesigned. A new double-drop frame was adopted to provide a lower and sleeker look. Packard replaced its four-speed synchromesh transmission mid-season with a three-speed synchromesh unit with an optional vacuum-operated clutch. Bijur chassis lubrication remained, now with 40 points on the redesigned chassis. Ride stabilizers, which consisted of heavy metal spools mounted between springs and enclosed in chrome cylinders, were mounted at the ends of the front bumpers to serve as counterweights to eliminate front wheel wobble and improve ride and handling.

This Deluxe Eight Phaeton is the 27th of about 30 built in 1932. It is one of seven known to survive today. It is a numbers-matching car with its original bodywork. The car was delivered in Newark, New Jersey, on November 12th of 1932. 21 years later, it was discovered in a Garden State backyard by CCCA member and Packard enthusiast George Jepson, who paid $35 to take it home. The car was then sold to Bennett Fishler, who restored it to its original condition and drove it on a CARavan in 155.

Several years later, the Packard was passed to Burton Dickerman, and then, in the 1970s, it passed from Dickerman's widow to Bill Neubig, their neighbor in Connecticut, from whom the present owner acquired the car in 2007.

The car has since been given a three-year-long restoration to its original condition. It is finished in black with a black top and burgundy interior, belt line, and fender welting. There are dual side-mount spares, an accessory trunk rack, period wide-whitewall tires on chrome wire wheels, and a new-for-Ninth Series cormorant signature hood ornament.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013