1928 Packard 5-33 Runabout. Rare! 1 of 3 known.
PLEASE VIEW THE 14-MINUTE IN-DEPTH VIDEO TOUR AND TEST DRIVE FOR FULL DETAILS ON THIS PACKARD.
The world was at the peak of the Roaring 20's in 1928. The stock market was surging, people were flush with cash and "cafe society" produced a breed of playboy that was summed up by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his book, The Great Gatsby. To own a Packard in those times showed everyone that you had "arrived." This Packard 5-33 Runabout was the quintessential playboy's car and the epitome of carefree wealth.
Packard did not produce cars by model year, but rather by "Series." This being a Fifth Series car on the 133 inch wheel base (thus the "5-33" designation.) The model was introduced on July 1, 1927 and produced through August 1, 1928. When restored, this car was finished in light silver/gray body with burgundy fenders, moldings, wire wheels and leather interior, similar to the one shown in a colorful Packard magazine ad that appeared in The Literary Digest in December of 1927 (See photo.)
The restoration was beautifully done. Paint shows very well with no chips or dings and a deep shine. Excellent convertible top with matching boot, side curtains with hardware. The leather interior is beautiful as the photos show. Wood steering wheel is solid and unblemished. Linoleum floor covering is wrapped in removable plastic to retain its scuff-free finish. Accessory trunk rack with fitted trunk. Chrome trim is bright and shows beautifully. Under the hood, the 289 cubic inch straight 6 engine (the last 6 produced by Packard until 1937) produces 81 horsepower. (Buy contrast, the Standard 8, with 319 cubic inches produced only 9 more horsepower.) Thus, the power-to-weight ratio of this car makes it nimble on the road. I have personally driven this car and it handles well, stops quickly and runs cool, even on 90 degree days.
Mechanically well-sorted. The vacuum tank fuel system was just rebuilt and operates as it should. The engine features a cylinder bore lubrication system with manifold pressure lubricating cylinder walls when the engine is choked at starting. It also has a Bijur lubrication system to oil all critical fittings. The shock absorbers work well and include the addition of a modern horizontal tube shock up front to give tighter steering and better handling over rough roads. Amp gauge, oil pressure gauge and Motometer temperature gauge work. Speedometer, fuel gauge and clock do not at present. Undercarriage is clean and rust-free, having been refinished at the time of restoration. Windshield is clear with no damage and cleaned with a manually-operated single wiper. 6 Wire wheels are excellent and wrapped by very good whitewall tires. Sidemount spares have locking hubs with keys. Golf club compartment with locking doors on each side of the body. Inside the compartment is a set of vintage clubs in bag, and a vintage tennis racket, exemplifying the playboy lifestyle of the 20's. 6 volt electrical system with new battery. All lights work, including the headlights, taillight, cowl lights and outboard accessory spotlight.
Packard Club and Classic Car Club rosters show a total of just 3 known model 5-33 Runabouts.
Realistically priced. Current Old Cars Price Guide values this model as follows:#1: $126,000. #2: $88,200. #3: $56,700. If you're looking for a rare late-20's Packard to show or go, this is a fine one. It could not be restored to this level today for the asking price.
WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
Note: If the VIDEO TOUR above is inactive, please go to: https://youtu.be/PGwsRHspVXQ?si=ZucFavuE23sYSnZw
