Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Fort Lauderdale
event, March 31-2, 2017.
Chassis No.
178382
Estimate:
$160,000 - $200,000 US
On January 23, 1929, The Scranton (PA) Republican newspaper
proclaimed on page 17 that "Packards Shown at Special Salon." The
story continues with the following: "Because of the comprehensive
line of Packard motor cars and the necessarily limited space at the
Armory, Packard cars will be displayed only at a special Packard
salon in the Scranton Packard headquarters in Lackawanna Automobile
company Wyoming avenue at Vine street all this week. The Lackawanna
Automobile company is distributor for all northeastern
Pennsylvania, and has the largest display rooms in the entire
Eastern United States, even exceeding in size most of the
metropolitan branch salesrooms. Special decorations and flood
lighting are being employed to make this the finest showing of
Packards held anywhere in the east."
Packard, like many other American luxury car manufacturers, was not
immediately affected by the stock market crash of 1929. In fact,
the company continued to employ over 7,000 workers and its
commanding buildings loomed over both sides of Detroit's East Grand
Boulevard. What's more, Packard introduced the 640 Custom Eight
that year. Clients had a choice of five basic models improved with
such advancements as a shock absorbing "loose trunion" suspension
with new Houdaille shocks, an in-dash gauge that replaced the
Moto-Meter, and an automatic cylinder oiler. Cosmetically, these
Sixth Series Packards received parabolic headlamps and chromed
brightwork. The Sixth Series 140.5-inch wheelbase 640 Custom Eight
would be available in nine different body styles and, in total,
4,853 of this model would be produced for the 1929 model year.
As detailed in the January/February 2007 issue of Torque, a
publication of the CCCA's Michigan chapter, this 640 Custom Eight
was acquired by its current owner in March 2002 after having
received restoration work in 1999 from renowned expert Jack Dietz,
curator of the William Lassiter, Jr. Collection. Shortly before its
acquisition, the car was expertly detailed and freshened before
receiving a complete body-off restoration by R&A Engineering of
Michigan two years later. A CCCA Premier Classic, the car has since
been awarded numerous honors at several prestigious concours events
that includes Amelia Island Concours, Ault Park Concours and Lake
Mirror Classic.
During its restoration, the car was finished in black with orange
artillery wood spoke wheels and a beige folding top piped in saddle
leather to match the richly appointed interior leather on the doors
and seats - a color combination believed to be more typical of the
era and very authentic for a Sixth Series Packard. In fact, the
June 1929 American Motorist magazine featured a black and orange
roadster in an ad titled "Packard men are carefully chosen." The
car remains in show-quality condition throughout, from the
beautifully upholstered rumbleseat to the restored and detailed
engine bay. The power comes from Packards 384.8-cid, 106-hp inline
eight-cylinder engine which is mated to a three-speed manual
transmission.
The radiator features an optional basket-weave stoneguard and is
accented by the distinctive Adonis radiator mascot. The windshield
is hinged to be able to access fresh air. Other notable extra
features include dual spotlights, a wood rail rear-mounted trunk
rack, and dual side-mounted spares with tire-mounted rearview
mirrors. A note of distinction and detail must go to the golf club
access door housing a set of period clubs. Subtle gold pinstriping
is found on the orange wheels and belt moldings.
The Runabout was Packard's least expensive Custom Eight, although
it must be considered that with prices exceeding $3,000, it was by
no means affordable to the average American. The Scranton
Republican article concluded that "The color combinations are
masterpieces of the designer's art from the finest craftsmen.
Packard specialists will be on hand to explain the numerous Packard
exclusive features and to point out the many reasons why Packard
automotive engineers are regarded as leaders in the industry."
After nearly 90 years, these roadster bodies have become
particularly sought after by collectors as they epitomize truly
open motoring and embody the classic Packard grandeur of a bygone
era. One thing is certain, the beauty and quality presented by
Packard in 1929 has been forwarded with this car, and it is
undeniable.
