By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the National Automotive History Collection
Posted: 10.17.2017
Through the years, the Packard name attracted a loyal following based on the company’s sterling reputation for fine workmanship and excellence in artistry. During the early days, Packard became a driving force behind the astonishing growth of Detroit’s automotive and industrial base. It was the best of times for many Detroit residents were employed by the fast growing Packard. However the economic boom times started to slow and the country sank into the Great Depression.
In 1931, Packard said this about their products: “Packard offers the finest personal transportation with the best of Packard quality and performance in richness of luxury. As in beauty and distinction of appearance it ranks among the world's finest motor car."
The Packard DeLuxe Eight 840 convertible coupe was available for two or four passengers, the rear compartment could seat two extra passengers, and it offered ample space for luggage. The 1931 Packards were technically referred to as the Eight Series cars. They came in four separate series know as 826 which came only as a five-passenger sedan.
In conclusion, Packard has always had a great automotive history and legacy of manufacturing beautiful automobiles with great quality. For more information on the history of the Packard automobiles, please contact Tom Mitchell from the Motor City of Metropolitan Detroit A Region of Packard Classics (PAC); check out their website at www.motorcitypackards.com.
For further information on photos please visit http://www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/ or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please do not republish the story and/or photographs without permission of MotorCities National Heritage Area. (Bibliography: Dammann H. George & Wren A. James. “Packard” Motor-books International 1996; Kimes Rae Beverly & Jr. Clark, Austin Henry. “Standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942.” Kimes Rae Beverly & Grayson Stan. “Packard A history of the Company” Automobile Quarterly Publications.)