1932 Packard Model 903 Deluxe Eight Opera Coupe

This 1932 Packard 903 Opera Coupe has dual side-mounted tires, wooden artillery-style wheels, and dual windshield wipers. Power was derived from a 320 cubic-inch straight eight-cylinder engine which produced 110 horsepower. The top speed was 85+ mph with a zero-to-sixty mph in 18.8 seconds. The vehicle rested on a 136.5-inch wheelbase and weighed around 4400 pounds. In 1932, Packard introduced an automatic Bijur chassis lubrication system and a new quick-shift mechanism to reduce the effort in the four-speed gearbox. Mechanical brakes were fitted to all 4 wheels with free-wheeling.

A variety of body styles were offered in an attempt to accommodate all types of driving situations. The early 1930s was a difficult era for automobile manufacturers. The Great Depression was leaving few individuals with additional means to purchase an automobile. The marques that suffered the most were those that catered to the luxury car segment, as their pool of buyers dwindled.

Packard automobiles were elegant, stylish, powerful, and expensive. Just as they had done during World War I, the Packard Company was able to endure the Great Depression. Part of their success was adapting to the changing marketplace and continuing to introduce stylish, attractive, competitive, and powerful automobiles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009