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The Packard Tenth Series was introduced in January
1933. The new Packards were offered with a choice of
three different engines: the Standard Eight, Super
Eight and the newly renamed Packard Twelve. The
company’s marketing slogan, “Ask The Man Who Owns
One,” exuded the engineering, and design prominence
that made Packard one of America’s top luxury cars
during the 1920’s and 1930’s. The economic effects
of the Great Depression and the conversion of
manufacturing capacity from peacetime to wartime
products during World War II ultimately crippled the
company resulting in its extinction in 1958.
Ironically, Packard sales fell off at the beginning
of 1933, due in part to the fact that the large
majority of the previous year's Packard could still
be found on the roads driving at speed with no
problems or complaints from their owners. To solve
this, a clever new marketing plan was employed.
Dealers highlighted the ease of trading in the old
models as well as other brands of cars for a new
Packard. It proved quite effective as the Standard
and DeLuxe car sales improved dramatically. By March
of 1933 Packard was beginning to realize some
limited success from the Tenth Series cars and was
even bestowed the honor of being the chosen car to
deliver President Roosevelt to his inauguration
ceremony. New Packard registrations were quite
strong despite the harsh economic conditions. On
Chicago's wealthy North Shore, registrations of new
Packards totaled 2,481, which was more than
Rolls-Royce, Duesenberg, Cord, Cadillac,
Pierce-Arrow, Lincoln, Stutz and Franklin combined.
The Packard Twelve was the pinnacle of the 1933
model line. It was fast, modern, distinctive and
luxurious. More than ample power was produced by the
445 cubic inch engine while handling, suspension and
chassis refinements created a more easily operated
and enjoyable Packard than those of the Ninth
Series. Records show that in 1933 Packard produced
only 520 twelve cylinder cars shared between two
model numbers, 1005 and 1006, the latter being
reserved for five and seven passenger limousines and
one-off coachbuilt custom bodies.
How popular are Packards today? All one needs to do
to answer that question is look in the Classic Car
Club of America directory and see that there are
more Packards listed than any other make, among
them, the Packard two-door convertibles rank as the
most desirable body style ever produced.
Engine: V12, Stromberg dual downdraft carburetor,
445.47ci, 160hp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: three-speed
manual; Suspension: solid front axle with leaf
springs and rear semi-floating rear axle with leaf
springs; Brakes: four wheel, internal expanding
vacuum boosted Bendix drums. Left hand drive. |
