Packard took an evolutionary approach to the new 8th Series which debuted in August of 1930, choosing to make subtle refinements over sweeping changes. The car debuted at the height of the Great Depression, so sales expectations were low, and while the 8th Series lived up to the standard expected from Packard, there was little their dealers could do to curtail falling sales due to the struggling economy. Putting economic worries aside, the 8th Series was a particularly fine motorcar. The range consisted of the base 826, deluxe 833, and the flagship 840/845 models. Packard improved the base engine by utilizing the larger valves and intake ports of the outgoing 734 Speedster. Horsepower output for the 833 was now at an even 100, while the larger 840 and 845 produced 120 horsepower. Stylistic changes were minimal, carrying over the same confident elegance of the previous model. The 833 range offered the most variety, with eleven catalog body styles available. As the entry-level 826 was s