The Packard 900 Light Eight models from around 1932 (Packards were not given model year numbers in those days) featured a grille design distinct from mainline Packards. The popular name (perhaps given retroactively) was "shovelnose," referring the the scoop shape of the lower part, as clearly shown in the photo above. Some background on the Light Eight is here.
I quite like the grille's design. At its top, it retains the traditional Packard features, and the curved lower part hints at the coming transition from boxy to curved body designs. Although I consider it the best of such early 1930s grille forms, it was not the only example, as I explain in the captions below. Unless noted, images are factory publicity photos or of cars listed for sale.
Styling by Alan H. Leamy. Superficially, this is a shovelnose grille appearing a year before the Packard design. A close look reveals that the lower, curved part is simply a grooved extension plate with no grille openings for air intake. Nevertheless, it might be classed as the first of the American shovelnose theme breed.
The car is posed in from of the home of its stylist, Amos Northup (photo via Historic Vehicle Association). Contemporaneous with the Light Eight, and also the work of a famous stylist, the Graham Blue Streak's grille curves slightly at the bottom.
Also from the 1932 model year, we find a similar treatment on this Terraplane.
More shovelnose examples appeared for 1933, such as on this Studebaker. Here, like the Packard, the top of the curved area is about one-fourth of the way up from the grille's bottom, though the curvature is less pronounced.
Hupps had grille curves barely visible at the bottom.
This car seems to be slightly lowered, perhaps hot-rodded, but is a rare example of a '33 Olds. The shovelnose feature is visible.
The Dodge shovelnose for '33 was fairly distinct, unlike the others introduced for that year.
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