The Packard Tenth Series was introduced in January 1933. The new Packards were offered with a choice of three different engines: the Standard Eight, Super Eight and the newly renamed Packard Twelve. The company’s marketing slogan, “Ask The Man Who Owns One,” exuded the engineering, and design prominence that made Packard one of America’s top luxury cars during the 1920’s and 1930’s. The economic effects of the Great Depression and the conversion of manufacturing capacity from peacetime to wartime products during World War II ultimately crippled the company resulting in its extinction in 1958.
Ironically, Packard sales fell off at the beginning of 1933, due in part to the fact that the large majority of the previous year's Packard could still be found on the roads driving at speed with no problems or complaints from their owners. To solve this, a clever new marketing plan was employed. Dealers highlighted the ease of trading in the old models as well as other brands of cars for a new Packard. It proved quite effective as the Standard and DeLuxe car sales improved dramatically. By March of 1933 Packard was beginning to realize some limited success from the Tenth Series cars and was even bestowed the honor of being the chosen car to deliver President Roosevelt to his inauguration ceremony. New Packard registrations were quite strong despite the harsh economic conditions. On Chicago's wealthy North Shore, registrations of new Packards totaled 2,481, which was more than Rolls-Royce, Duesenberg, Cord, Cadillac, Pierce-Arrow, Lincoln, Stutz and Franklin combined.
The Packard Twelve was the pinnacle of the 1933 model line. It was fast, modern, distinctive and luxurious. More than ample power was produced by the 445 cubic inch engine while handling, suspension and chassis refinements created a more easily operated and enjoyable Packard than those of the Ninth Series. Records show that in 1933 Packard produced only 520 twelve cylinder cars shared between two model numbers, 1005 and 1006, the latter being reserved for five and seven passenger limousines and one-off coachbuilt custom bodies.
How popular are Packards today? All one needs to do to answer that question is look in the Classic Car Club of America directory and see that there are more Packards listed than any other make, among them, the Packard two-door convertibles rank as the most desirable body style ever produced.
Engine: V12, Stromberg dual downdraft carburetor, 445.47ci, 160hp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual;
Suspension: solid front axle with leaf springs and rear semi-floating rear axle with leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel, internal expanding vacuum boosted Bendix drums. Left hand drive.