The height of the depression did not dampen the artistic inspirations of the automobile industry. The years 1930 – 1937 produced some of the finest styled automobiles ever. Packard in particular, though always a beautifully styled and functioning machine before, truly spread its wings during this time. This period of design excellence occurred during a time slumping sales and the hardship of a nation in despair. Like many great works of art some of man's greatest things are devised during the toughest times. The general styling in the auto industry had seen a collective peak in the years 1932 – 1934. Packard lead the way in 1931 with the Eighth series line. This series set a new standard for styling and saw a line of cars designed with such attention to detail that even the taillight is considered a masterpiece. For 1932 styling transitioned with the adoption of the v shaped radiator shells coinciding with the addition of a new V-twelve engine to the range.

In '33 and '34