Vehicle Description
Packard's Sixth Series debuted on August 1, 1928, continuing the
long-running tradition of exceptional quality, engineering
excellence, and sophisticated style. Customers had a wide range of
catalog body styles to choose from, as well as four different
chassis options. The base of the lineup consisted of the 626 and
633 Standard Eight (wheelbases of 126" and 133" respectively), with
a 90 horsepower, 319 cubic-inch eight-cylinder. The term "base
model" is relative as the least expensive Club Sedan came in at
$2,275 at a time when a new Ford was just $435. Customers wanting a
bit more exclusivity could opt for the 640 Custom Eight or 645
Deluxe Eight, both fitted with the larger, 106 horsepower, 384.8
cubic-inch "Big Eight." As always, Packard's Custom Catalog was
rife with options for unique coachwork, though many buyers opted
for the beautifully styled standard bodies. One of the prettiest of
all was the gracefully styled 2/4 passenger Runabout, style number
342. With its deeply curved front fenders, low profile, and raked
windscreen, the Runabout roadster captured the essence of
late-twenties American sports motoring. This gorgeous,
meticulously-restored 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout is a
marvelous example of one of the most desirable models in the
Sixth-series range. This particular car has a rich and fascinating
history from new. It is believed the original owner was Frederick
C. Crawford, who took delivery via the Cleveland Packard Co. of
Cleveland, Ohio. Crawford was an Ohio-based industrialist who
served as president of Thompson Products, which would later become
TRW; a vast and powerful company with interests in aviation, space,
and automotive industries. Crawford was an avid motoring and
aviation enthusiast, and through the years, he amassed an extensive
collection of important historical vehicles. Crawford should be
considered one of the fathers of the collector-car hobby, as he
recognized the automobile's historical importance at a time when
old cars were seen for little more than their scrap value. TRW
housed his collection for many years before it was gifted to the
Western Reserve Historical Society, to form the Crawford
Auto-Aviation Museum. The museum is still in operation today as
part of the Cleveland History Center. It is not clear exactly how
long Crawford owned this Packard Runabout in period, although a
letter from the museum suggests Lee Clegg purchased it from
Crawford in 1949. There is no documentation to prove this at this
time; however, the extensive history file does show that Clegg
donated the Packard Roadster the Western Reserve Historical Society
in 1964, effectively returning it to the original owner! When it
rejoined the Crawford collection, the Packard was in fine
condition, finished in an off-white and cream color combination
with red wheels, perhaps restored once already. In 1973, the
Packard was loaned to The Henry Ford for display in a special
exhibit on American sports cars. In the 1970s, the Runabout has
featured in a print advertisement for TRW as well as an ad campaign
for General Tire. It remained with Crawford until 1990 when it,
along with some other cars from the collection, was sold by
Sotheby's auction house at a special sale in Cleveland. Paul Mehes
of nearby Novelty, Ohio fell in love with the striking Packard and
was lucky enough to purchase it, even turning down an opportunity
of an immediate $5,000 profit after the sale. Mehes turned his
newly acquired Packard Roadster over to his friend and restorer
Jack Basom with the idea of freshening the car up to drive and
enjoy. That quickly snowballed into a meticulous, concours-quality
restoration with spectacular results. The substantial history file
is filled with parts receipts, correspondence and intricate notes
by Basom documenting the project. Completed in the early 1990s, the
gorgeous Packard hit the show circuit, winning a CCCA Primary Award
at the 1992 Dearborn Grand Classic, followed by a Senior Award at
the National Meet in Baltimore, MD. The car received a Salon
feature in Packard International Magazine and was on the cover of
the CCCA Michigan Region's publication. In 1995, Paul Mehes and his
cherished Packard were invited to the Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance, and the acceptance letter and show credentials still
accompany the car. In recent years, this stunning Packard Runabout
has been lovingly maintained by a passionate collector of
classic-era automobiles. Despite being more than 25 years old, the
concours-quality restoration looks beautiful, benefitting from
recent freshening and meticulous care. The paint quality is
excellent, with the handsome two-tone burgundy/red combination
highlighted with subtle straw-colored coach lines and exquisite
detail. Sitting low on a 140-inch wheelbase chassis, the 640
Runabout is breathtakingly elegant, while the period accessories
add an appropriate dash of excitement. Gorgeous chrome fittings
include a radiator stone guard, dual cowl lights, driver's spot
lamp, Bosch-style trumpet horns, dual side mount spare wheels, and
the Packard Adonis mascot - a special option typically reserved for
the most sporting of Packards. 20-inch wire wheels with chrome hubs
and spokes are accented with painted rims for the ultimate pre-war
sporting look. Passengers enjoy a cozy two-place cockpit trimmed in
black leather, showing a moderate yet attractive patina. The same
materials repeat in the rumble seat, presenting in similarly
well-preserved condition. The top is trimmed in tan canvas, and a
pair of matching side curtains stow neatly behind the front seat.
As with the rest of this fine automobile, the quality and attention
to detail of the interior are outstanding. The 384.8 cubic-inch
inline eight was professionally rebuilt as part of the restoration,
and it continues to run well, emitting the signature deep bellow of
a Packard eight. The presentation remains excellent as well, with
correct Packard Green paint on the block and head, with very good
chrome hardware and painted finishes. It is very tidy and
appropriately detailed, while also nicely mellowed from age and
moderate use. With fascinating history and iconic looks, this 640
Runabout is one of the most desirable factory-bodied Packards of
the era. This example has been beautifully maintained since its
restoration, is a joy to drive and would be a welcome participant
in CCCA CARavan tours, driving events, and regional concours.