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Packard 905 5.3 liter V8 1932

General description : Beautiful resto-mod Packard with all the upgrades. 5.3-liter LS V8, 4L60E 4-speed automatic, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering, A/C, power windows, and more! Spectacular interior by Johnny Miller. Runs and drives extremely well!

Blending old and new isn’t always easy to do. You’ve seen all the questionable rods out there with odd proportions, comical wheels, and just plain awful paint jobs. But what about a resto-mod that almost invisibly merges old and new to create something very special? This handsome 1932 Packard 902 2-passenger coupe is just such a vehicle. At a glance, it certainly looks like a Packard should: big, formal, and imposing. The proportions are exactly right and it hasn’t been chopped, lowered, channeled, or tweaked, so it has all the styling designed into it in 1932. Maybe it’s a little more streamlined than before—no sidemounts, no driving lights, no horns, and even a plain cap on the radiator just to keep things clean. But up close, the Packard details shine through, including the beautifully chromed grille shell and bumpers that add the right amount of sparkle against the dark Westminster Blue paint. Out back, the luggage rack has been deleted, but the original taillights remain, now filled with LED bulbs for improved visibility. Panel fit is quite good and the doors close with a typical 1930s THUNK, so it still feels like a Packard when you open and close the door. The hood latches have been modified to modern pushbutton-style releases, but that’s really the only notable change. And if you’re concerned that some priceless artifact was taken out of circulation to build this handsome coupe, don’t worry—it was a basket case that was little more than a frame and half a body. There’s a ton of time and money invested here and it really paid off.

That stunning tan leather interior was hand-crafted by noted professional Johnny Miller, whose custom work is featured in award-winning street rods at every major show. Here, he toned it down a bit, aiming for something that blends in a little better with the Packard’s 1930s sensibility. Like the exterior, it could almost pass for stock. We applaud the fact that they kept the original steering column and wheel, the factory garnish moldings (still real wood!), and the factory bench seat. The lovely leather hides are worlds softer than what they were using in 1932 and the Mercedes-Benz carpets give it a sophisticated look. Gauges are by Classic Instruments and fit in the original dash panel, which has also been faced in matching tan leather. Controls are simple, with a turn signal toggle on the far left, headlights and ignition switch by the gauges, and controls for the Vintage Air A/C system and custom stereo hidden in the original glove boxes. Other thoughtful touches include a USB port on the dash, some storage under a cover behind the seat, and LED lighting throughout. Even the shifter handle looks authentic and there’s a spoon-style accelerator, as original. Stainless trim on the headliner really gives it a dressed-up look and the custom panel below the windshield proudly spells out “PACKARD.” In back, the rumble seat has been converted to a spacious, fully-upholstered trunk that’s easy to access with a gentle push on the rumble seat lid. A custom cover hides the battery and wiring, making everything seamless.

The engine is a General Motors 5.3-liter LS V8 that was purchased from the GM Proving Grounds with fewer than 10 miles on it. With an iron block and aluminum heads, it makes a nice, round 300 horsepower—enough to make the Packard feel appropriately fleet without being over-bearing. Thanks to the wonders of OEM fuel injection, it starts quickly, idles smoothly, and generally works like it should without any fuss. With the hood open, the transplant is easy to spot and we kind of appreciate that they didn’t make any fake Packard covers to try to hide what it is—this is a functional machine and with the LS’s reputation, there’s really no reason to try to disguise it. A custom aluminum radiator is cooled by a massive electric fan, and service access is excellent with parts available at any auto parts store. It’s backed by a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, so it’s an outstanding highway cruiser that runs at modern speeds without breaking a sweat. The front suspension is a Fatman Fabrications heavy-duty crossmember with A-arms and coil-over shocks, while there’s a familiar Ford 9-inch with a 4-link and coil-overs in back. 4.11 gears and 28-spline Mosier axles help get the heavy Packard rolling, but with the tall tires and deep overdrive, it still just loafs along on the highway. There’s also a disc brake at each corner and power rack-and-pinion steering makes it effortless even at low speeds (although this big car does have a rather large turning radius). There’s a dual exhaust system that sounds appropriate—muscular without being loud, because that just wouldn’t do on a Packard. Beautiful 17-inch Wheel Smith lip-laced wire wheels are the right choice, with hubs custom machined to fit original Packard hubcaps. Finally, it sits on 7.50R17 Michelin wide whitewall radials from Diamondback Classic Tires for a vintage look and modern comfort and handling.

We understand that a modified 1932 Packard isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s obvious that this build respected the original design and kept the Packard’s soul intact. It takes skill to create such a convincing illusion and blend it with modern performance. If you’ve wished for a big 1930s coupe that has all the modern conveniences, this is a fantastic choice. Call today!

NOTE: This vehicle is titled as a 1932 Packard.

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

1932 Packard 905 5.3 liter V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ohio by Harwood Motors for $139900.

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