LOT 67 *
1932 Packard Model 900 Light Eight Sedan Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. 553-4080
Estimate: £25,000 - £35,000
Lot 67*
1932 Packard Model 900 Light Eight Sedan Registration no. not UK registered Chassis no. 553-4080
1932 Packard Model 900 Light Eight Sedan
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 553-4080
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 553-4080
*Rare high quality American luxury car
*Well specified
*An older restoration
*Purchased for the Key Collection in 2010
*Well specified
*An older restoration
*Purchased for the Key Collection in 2010
Footnotes
Always built to the highest standards, the Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era. Packard introduced its first 'Eight' in 1924 and by the decade's end was building eight-cylinder cars only.
The Depression years that followed the Wall Street Crash of October 1929 hit the American automobile industry hard. With sales falling, Packard's response was the introduction of a lower cost model - the Model 900 Light Eight – in 1932. 'We are offering a car that can be purchased out of income and not capital' claimed Packard, tapping into the mood of the times. Unfortunately, the Light Eight could not be produced cheaply enough to entice new customers, and those established clients that did buy it often did so instead of purchasing one of Packard's larger models. Given these circumstances it is not surprising that the Light Eight lasted for only a single season.
Powered by Packard's 5.2-litre engine, the Light Eight was of advanced design and was very well received at the time, being reckoned lovely to drive. The work of Packard's chief designer Werner Gubitz, the Light Eight's handsome coachwork boasted sweeping modern lines flowing back from a distinctive 'shovel nose' radiator. The motor incorporated a built-in thermostat, thus dispensing with the need for radiator shutters, while other noteworthy features included a warm air heater for the carburettor intake, chassis ride control, an automatic clutch and vacuum-powered brakes. With 110bhp on tap, the Light Eight was good for 72mph. Only four body styles were offered - two sedans and two coupés - and the Light Eight was priced approximately 30% below the cheapest Standard Eight.
One of 6,750 Light Eights made between January and December 1932, this sedan was sold new on 21st July '32 by Bayridge Motor Sales in Brooklyn, New York City. A well maintained older restoration, the car features twin side-mount spares, a rear-mounted luggage rack, and trim rings on the wheels. The Packard was purchased by the Key Collection at Hershey, USA in 2010.
Should the vehicle remain in the UK, local import taxes of 5% will be added to the hammer price.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this lot is withdrawn.
Additional information
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Auction Viewings
- 6 April 2019, 09:00 - 17:30 BST
- 7 April 2019, 09:00 - 13:00 BST
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. |
