1932 Packard Model 903 Deluxe Eight Opera Coupe

For 1932, Packard built fewer than a thousand Deluxe Eight models. It is believed that this Sport Phaeton was once the property of Richard Parker and later John Pascucci who would sell the car to Frank Moldery. The next owner was Thomas Derro of Carlisle, Massachusetts.

At some point, the car was treated to a restoration. It features many desirable options including cowl lamps at the base of the windshield frame, a basket-weave stone guard that protects the radiator, dual side-mounted spare wheels with accessory rear-view mirrors, directional Pilot Ray driving lamps connected to the steering; and dual trumpet horns mounted under the headlights.

The synchromesh three-speed transmission also offers freewheeling, as well as a vacuum clutch for easier gear shifts, both of which allow for the ease of clutch-free shifting.

In 2010, this Packard was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was expected to sell for $235,000 - $275,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $187,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010