1932 Packard Model 903 Deluxe Eight

Like many other automobile manufacturers, Packard's future during the early 1930s was tenuous as the Great Depression's tightened its grip on the economy. Despite the hardships and the concurrent cylinder wars, Packard remained steadfast in its resolve to remain at the top of the luxury car market. Their in-house work was equal to, if not better than, independent coachbuilders, leading to Alvan Macauley's decision to bring custom coachbuilding in-house, and 1931 was the year his plan was implemented. The result was better coordination between chassis construction and custom coachbuilding, increased efficiency, and improved operating margins.

Along with the introduction of the new Twin Six V12 destined for the pinnacle of the luxury market segment, Packard 'doubled down' with the introduction of a lower-priced Light Eight. Both models were introduced at Ninth Series 1932 models. Between these two were the Ninth Series Standard Eight (Series 901 and 902), Deluxe Eight (Series 903 and 904), and the Individual Custom Eight (904) consisting of five Dietrich designs. The Light Eight was priced at $1,800 and the Standard Eight ranged from $2485 to $3,400. Prices of the Deluxe Eight were nearly identical to the Twin Six, ranging from $3,725 to over $7,000.

The Light Eight was equipped with an L-head straight-eight engine with a 319.2 cubic-inch displacement, a Packard carburetor, a 6.1.1 compression ratio, and developed 110 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. Its wheelbase measured 127.75 inches and its transmission was a three-speed selective synchromesh unit with a single plate clutch and floor shift controls.

The Standard Eight rested on a 129.5-inch wheelbase for the series 901 and a larger 136.5-inch platform the Series 902. The engine was the same as the Light Eight but the transmission was a four-speed unit with synchromesh on three gears.

The Deluxe Eight Series 903 used a 142.5-inch wheelbase and the 904 had a 147.5-inch platform. Both the 903 and 904 shared their chassis with their Twin Six siblings. The frame was new with a double-drop design and reinforced with X-bracing. Bijur chassis lubrication remained, now with 40 points on the redesigned chassis.

The L-head, straight-eight engine had a 384.8 cubic-inch displacement, a Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor, nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, a 6.0:1 compression ratio, and produced 135 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. Horsepower had increased by 10 over the previous year due to the new compression ratio. Engine noise was reduced by a large new air cleaner, in an effort to conceal the aspirating noises of the carburetor. The noise was further reduced through the use of new rubber engine mounts.

The four-speed selective transmission was later changed to a three-speed synchromesh unit with an optional vacuum-operated clutch. There were disc wheels, freewheeling, ride control, and a harmonic stabilizer front bumper. All 1932 Packards used mechanical brakes on all four wheels.

Standard equipment included dual trumpet horns mounted under the headlights and fender lamps. Items on the options list included dual side-mounts, side-mount covers, a clock, a cigar lighter, and bumpers.

Packard produced 955 examples of the Deluxe Eight Series 903 and 700 of the Deluxe Eight Series 904 in 1932.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021