I can imagine rolling around in a Packard in the 1920s, the car contrasting like a peacock among sparrows. The roads are mostly still dirt and gravel, but you’re dressed if not to the nines then at least very nicely. The sporty convertible coupe appeals to the rakish crowd while the Phaeton is elegance personified – something for everyone, so long as you can afford the sticker price. Any Packard was a divine experience. The company was at the top of its game by 1929, selling thousands of its high-priced Eights …. but then the Great Depression set in. Just two years later, Packard sales hit a nadir and thereafter never recovered to their old high. Here on eBay is a fine representative of this rarest class of Eights – a 1931 Packard 833 Standard convertible coupe. Bid to $40,600 with reserve not met, this car is located in Peoria, Illinois. The “833” refers loosely to the wheelbase: it came in at 134.5″. The larger cars (“Senior Classics”) included the 840 on a 140.5″ wheelbase and the 845 at 145.5″.

Our seller is a man of few words (though just verbose enough to miss receiving a “brevity award”), but we do know this car was restored some time ago and still runs and drives well. The Standard Eight was distinguished by Packard’s brand-new, L-head 320 cu. in. straight-eight producing about 90 bhp; the Deluxe Eight received a 385 cu. in. version of the same engine, with another ten ponies on tap. Buyers could opt for a four-speed manual transmission – a nice upgrade from the previous three-speed. The seller notes that this car has been in a collection and driven little over the last few years (check the date codes on those tires!) The engine bay exhibits that “I’ve been sitting” discoloration throughout, though the quality of the restoration is still apparent.

This is where we live, the well-appointed cabin. The steering wheel was a four-spoke affair in the early ’20s; the new style called for a three-spoke. This Standard has a wiper for the driver only; the Deluxe supplied a passenger’s side wiper as well. A vacuum-activated lubrication system controlled by the driver took care of the chassis in “real time”, easing service requirements. Adjustable shocks were available, and of course, four-wheel brakes had finally become standard. This car’s upholstery is wrinkled in a few areas, and the paint has worn off the gearshift lever and the window surround – nothing we wouldn’t expect from an aged restoration.

The paucity of tail lights on pre-war cars always alarms me! But that aluminum step to the right and above the bumper reminds me that this car will have a rumble seat, handy in fair weather. Disc wheels were standard, but buyers could opt for wood and even wire wheels. That’s the pride of Packard: custom details for every buyer, and every component made in-house. In terms of value, this bid is still light. The Phaeton brings the big money at over six figures for very nice examples, but these rumble-seat convertible coupes are also high in the pecking order. Any guesses at what it will take to find this one a new garage?