1933 Packard 1001 Eight Convertible Roadster

By the early 1930s Packard was long established as America's premier luxury car maker, but even so, the Great Depression began to take its toll and production suffered. Hoping to streamline its range and entice more of the middle market, it introduced the Tenth Series Eight to replace the previous Standard Eight and Light Eight. With a 120 horsepower straight-eight cylinder engine, a down-draft carburetor and full synchromesh transmission, the Eight was still a luxury car, but it offered exceptionally good performance at quite the bargain price. About 1,800 units were built, but just a tiny portion received the sporty Coupe Roadster coachwork, making this Packard a rare car. The Coupe Roadster is characterized by its low windscreen, hidden rumble seat and, if outfitted with the optional rear-mounted spare, very clean lines.