1932 Packard Model 902 Eight

The Ninth Series Packard models were introduced on June 17th of 1931. In comparison to the prior Packards, these cars were lower, longer, and most importantly, faster. The improvement in performance was mostly due to the modifications made to the Standard Eight engine. It was given a redesigned manifold and fan with its compression ratio increased to 6.0:1. The result was 110 horsepower and an improvement in reducing engine noise and vibration. The driveshaft was jointed and rubber-mounted and the engine was given new rubber mounts. The chassis was redesigned and given a double-drop frame. A four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox was installed which was soon replaced by a three-speed synchromesh unit. The Bijur chassis lubrication system now lubricated all 40 points automatically.

The vehicle's ride was greatly improved with a new adjustable shock absorber system known as 'Ride control.' This allowed the driver to select from three settings to tune in to the desired ride. The system was controlled by a plunger near the driver's left knee that controlled the quantity of oil sent to the shock absorbers.

Body styles included on the Standard Eight 902, with a 136-inch wheelbase, included a roadster, Phaeton and Sport Phaeton, rumble seat coupe, 5- and 7-passenger sedan, limousine, tourer, club sedan, and two convertibles (a convertible sedan and convertible victoria).

The L-head, eight-cylinder engine had a 319.2 cubic-inch displacement, nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor, a 6.0:1 compression ratio, and 110 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The larger Deluxe Eight and Individual Custom Eight rested on a 142.5- and 147.5-inch wheelbase platform respectively and were powered by a 384.8 CID straight-8 with 135 horsepower.

The Packard Standard Eight was priced from $2,485 to $3,400 and the Senior Packard Eights (Deluxe and custom) were priced from the upper-$3,000s to $7,250. The range-topping Packard Twin Six (Twelve) was priced from $3,895 to $8,000. The 445.5 cubic-inch twelve-cylinder engine produced 160 horsepower and wheelbase sizes measured 142- and 147-inches.

Standard Eight production for the Ninth Series Packard included 3,922 examples of the 901 and 3,737 of the Model 902. Production of the Deluxe and Custom Eight included 955 of the 903 and 700 of the 904. The top-of-the-line Packard Twin Six remained exclusive with 311 of the 905 and 238 of the 906. The total Ninth Series Production was 9,863 units.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019