Garage Find: 1932 Packard Model 902 Convertible

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While it may seem improbable to us, many people have no real idea of the value of collectible vehicles.  These folks also struggle with marketing them when faced with the prospect of selling one falls into their laps.  Take for example this 1932 Packard Model 902 convertible coupe for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Lansing, Michigan.  If you can get past the fact that this full classic is being sold on the same site you would use to get rid of your old toaster, then this might be an opportunity.  This concours-level car needs some TLC but is otherwise a solid investment for a reasonable price.  With many examples of this mid-range Packard selling for low six-figures in recent sales, the $90,000 asking price seems reasonable and, likely, very flexible.  Would you be willing to take a trip to Lansing to get a better look at this drop-top Depression-era stunner with an eleven-word ad?  Thanks to Gunter K. for this fabulous find!

Perhaps the best way to start is to give you the full text of the ad.  It simply reads: “1932 Packard convertible model 902 36323 miles Rumble seat, Golf bag door.”  That is all we get aside from when filling out the ad, 36,323 was punched in for mileage, manual for transmission, black for exterior, black for interior, and gasoline for fuel type.  There are also three recent pictures and one faded picture included with the ad.  Those pictures, while not in any way comprehensive, reveal what appears to be a Packard that has been the recipient of a restoration decades ago.  That restoration probably took place in the garage you see in the background, and the car probably hasn’t been on the road in quite some time.

What the seller doesn’t mention is this car’s place in the Packard world.  The Model 902 was considered the Standard Eight in Packard’s 1932 lineup.  That placed it above the Light Eight, which was Packard’s foray into a more economical car to compete with LaSalle at GM and to recognize the effect the Great Depression had on sales.  Above the Standard Eight, you could purchase an Eight Deluxe, Individual Custom Eight, and the ultra-luxurious V-12 powered Twin Six line.  While not the top of the line for Packard, the Standard Eight was still a well-respected luxury car.  The car you see here sold for a base price of $2,650 at a time when a 1932 Ford roadster could be had for $695.  For your money, you got a 4,420-pound car with a 136 1/2-inch wheelbase outfitted with a leather interior.  Packard was considered one of the finest cars you could own at the time.  Someone who could afford a convertible such as this in 1932 was by no means a commoner.

The picture above is included in the ad without any comment as to when or where it was taken.  The house looks to be fairly modern, and the Packard’s tires have the look of a car that was driven.  If a guess would have to be made, this car is being sold to close out the estate of the Packard’s former owner.  It is sad to see such a nice car leave a family, and it is obvious that it meant something to the previous owner.  Packards of this caliber are special, and they make wonderful touring cars.  This car looks like it will clean up well enough to be presentable, especially after you get the rear bumper re-chromed.  There may be quite the bargain here, but you had better hurry.  Usually when a car like this one is posted on Barn Finds, the ad doesn’t stay up long.

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Comments

  1. Terrry

    Extremely lame ad, even for Facebook Marketplace, in an equally lame “attempt” at selling a $90k car. And who puts a classic car on Facebook anyway? I’m smelling “scam”.

    Like 4
    • Kim in Lanark

      Exactly. And anyone who has the interest and the wherewithall to seriously consider the car would think the same.

      Like 1
  2. Connecticut mark

    Yep!

    Like 2
  3. BobMck

    Are these cars still selling that high?

    Like 3
  4. Phipps

    Guaranteed this is a non car person millennial grand child selling an estate vehicle

    Like 4
  5. Dave Brown

    Scam aside, this original looking Packard needs a total restoration. It could be beautiful again.

    Like 1
  6. stevee

    The restoration costs for a vintage Packard like this car in ‘as-found’ (compared to a very good driving car, all things operating as they should, condition 3 per Price Guide) could easily top $100,000.

    Like 2

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