Last updated on February 20, 2023
Today’s car is a 1932 Packard Light Eight Convertible/Cabriolet with a rumble seat and a golf bag door. It is highly distinguishable by its shovel nose grill. It is finished in Monarch Maroon with a Tan interior and convertible top and boot, This car is owned by Sandy Bettelman. It was only produced for one year. It is powered by a 320 cu in, 5.2 liter, in line 8 cylinder, with a Packard 1-bbl carburetor, producing 110 hp. That power is sent to the rear wheels through a 3 speed manual transmission. Delivering that power to the rear wheels through 428 to 1 gear ratio. Helping slow this baby down are 4-wheel mechanical 15 inch drum brakes with vacuum assist. The suspension is a i-beam axle up front and a solid axle in the rear both have semi-eliptic longitudinal leaf springs and adjustable lever shock absorbers. The original MSRP was $1795.00. The estimated production number are 16,064 all of 1932 Packards of which 6,750 were Light Eight’s and of that 1,020 were convertibles. The performance numbers are 0 to 60 in 23 seconds with a top speed of 85 mph.? “Packard, ask a man who owns one.” was their advertising catch phrase.
This is a rare car, maybe 53 of them left, that gets plenty of attention at any event it shows up at. The color, the fact that it is a Packard , and Sandy’s enthusiasm when he shares his knowledge of this car. Thanks for riding along. Frank
