1932 Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster
From the Private Collection of Skip Ritner
1932 Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster
Chassis no. 193823
Engine no. 193823
384.8ci. L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Packard Carburetor
140bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
*Stunning Coupe Roadster coachwork
*Single family ownership for approximately 75 years
*The quintessential American classic
*Superbly documented ownership and restoration file
THE PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT
In 1932, the Great Depression's grip on America and its automobile industry tightened into a stranglehold. Packard still stood at the top of the luxury market but its future like that of its competitors was tenuous. Response to the economy's torment was slow throughout the auto industry and the course that Alvan Macauley had set for Packard during the flush years of the late Twenties was pursued resolutely.
Despite Packard's success in providing high quality chassis for custom coachbuilders, Macauley advocated bringing custom coachbuilding in-house, and 1931 was the year his plan was implemented. His logic was impeccable – Packard's body-building capabilities were second to none, and the quality of its in-house work was equal to, if not better than, independent coachbuilders. Better coordination between chassis construction and custom coachbuilding brought economies of scale that would increase Packard's efficiency and operating margins.
Behind this change, and routine rationalization of models and designations, Packard brought its full technical, managerial and financial power to bear on the dramatically different market of America in Depression. Development of the lower-priced Light Eight was rushed ahead while its polar opposite, the new Twin Six V12, was aimed at the pinnacle of Packard clients. Both, would debut as Ninth Series 1932 models.
Packard's Ninth series Super Eights are overshadowed by the Twin Six, but these automobiles were exceptional. The Seventh Series 734 Speedster's innovations included a high compression cylinder head, a dual throat Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor and a performance rear axle ratio. A horsepower race was on, and the Eighth Series Packards adopted the 734's modifications across the board giving the DeLuxe Eight's strong and quiet nine main bearing 385 cubic inch engine 120 horsepower. Packard's big eight was then, and remains today, the paradigm for quiet, luxurious, unobtrusive power, more than adequate to propel even the day's heaviest and most lavishly appointed formal coachwork.
When fitted with the more sporting and lightweight open bodies such as the refined dual cowl sport phaeton offered here, Eighth Series 140hp DeLuxe Packards are steady performers fully capable of cruising at today's highway speeds. The sport phaeton body combined style, comfort and Packard's exceptional build quality to achieve one of the most attractive, well-balanced and practical designs of the Classic Era.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Delivered new in Greenwich, Connecticut November 6, 1931, this wonderful Packard would resurface in Billings Montana in 1933. On November 21, 1933 Mr. C.T. Rykken purchased the Packard form Williams Motor Co. in Billings. Copies of the five $87 installment checks Mr Rykken paid are included in the files. Mr Rykken was the owner of Rykken's Garage in Musselshell, Montana.
For the next 75 years, the Packard would reside in the Rykkens ownership. It was used as regular transport until 1948 and made the trip from Montana to Oregon several times in this period. When acquiring a new car in 1948, the decision was made to keep the Packard and not trade it in – with the idea of restoring it later. In 1970 the Packard was sold to his son and the restoration commenced (well documented in the files). The elder Mr. Rykken participated in some of the restoration of his beloved Packard and was thrilled when the car was completed in 1978. Many trips were made in the now restored Packard before it was finally sold out of the family to the current owner in 2007. Since this time, it has resided in a fine small collection where it has been well looked after.
Wisely finished in the striking black over black color scheme, this very proper coupe roadster looks all the sporty machine it is. The most desirable body style from this landmark year of the Packard brand. Equipped with the most potent iteration of the classic Packard straight eight, these cars are highly responsive and have wonderful road manners. A wonderfully presented example of one of Packards best, this very appealing machine with superb history is highly recommended.
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From the Private Collection of Skip Ritner
1932 Packard Super Eight Coupe Roadster
Chassis no. 193823
Engine no. 193823
384.8ci. L-Head Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Packard Carburetor
140bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
*Stunning Coupe Roadster coachwork
*Single family ownership for approximately 75 years
*The quintessential American classic
*Superbly documented ownership and restoration file
THE PACKARD DELUXE EIGHT
In 1932, the Great Depression's grip on America and its automobile industry tightened into a stranglehold. Packard still stood at the top of the luxury market but its future like that of its competitors was tenuous. Response to the economy's torment was slow throughout the auto industry and the course that Alvan Macauley had set for Packard during the flush years of the late Twenties was pursued resolutely.
Despite Packard's success in providing high quality chassis for custom coachbuilders, Macauley advocated bringing custom coachbuilding in-house, and 1931 was the year his plan was implemented. His logic was impeccable – Packard's body-building capabilities were second to none, and the quality of its in-house work was equal to, if not better than, independent coachbuilders. Better coordination between chassis construction and custom coachbuilding brought economies of scale that would increase Packard's efficiency and operating margins.
Behind this change, and routine rationalization of models and designations, Packard brought its full technical, managerial and financial power to bear on the dramatically different market of America in Depression. Development of the lower-priced Light Eight was rushed ahead while its polar opposite, the new Twin Six V12, was aimed at the pinnacle of Packard clients. Both, would debut as Ninth Series 1932 models.
Packard's Ninth series Super Eights are overshadowed by the Twin Six, but these automobiles were exceptional. The Seventh Series 734 Speedster's innovations included a high compression cylinder head, a dual throat Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor and a performance rear axle ratio. A horsepower race was on, and the Eighth Series Packards adopted the 734's modifications across the board giving the DeLuxe Eight's strong and quiet nine main bearing 385 cubic inch engine 120 horsepower. Packard's big eight was then, and remains today, the paradigm for quiet, luxurious, unobtrusive power, more than adequate to propel even the day's heaviest and most lavishly appointed formal coachwork.
When fitted with the more sporting and lightweight open bodies such as the refined dual cowl sport phaeton offered here, Eighth Series 140hp DeLuxe Packards are steady performers fully capable of cruising at today's highway speeds. The sport phaeton body combined style, comfort and Packard's exceptional build quality to achieve one of the most attractive, well-balanced and practical designs of the Classic Era.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Delivered new in Greenwich, Connecticut November 6, 1931, this wonderful Packard would resurface in Billings Montana in 1933. On November 21, 1933 Mr. C.T. Rykken purchased the Packard form Williams Motor Co. in Billings. Copies of the five $87 installment checks Mr Rykken paid are included in the files. Mr Rykken was the owner of Rykken's Garage in Musselshell, Montana.
For the next 75 years, the Packard would reside in the Rykkens ownership. It was used as regular transport until 1948 and made the trip from Montana to Oregon several times in this period. When acquiring a new car in 1948, the decision was made to keep the Packard and not trade it in – with the idea of restoring it later. In 1970 the Packard was sold to his son and the restoration commenced (well documented in the files). The elder Mr. Rykken participated in some of the restoration of his beloved Packard and was thrilled when the car was completed in 1978. Many trips were made in the now restored Packard before it was finally sold out of the family to the current owner in 2007. Since this time, it has resided in a fine small collection where it has been well looked after.
Wisely finished in the striking black over black color scheme, this very proper coupe roadster looks all the sporty machine it is. The most desirable body style from this landmark year of the Packard brand. Equipped with the most potent iteration of the classic Packard straight eight, these cars are highly responsive and have wonderful road manners. A wonderfully presented example of one of Packards best, this very appealing machine with superb history is highly recommended.
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