Vehicle Description
In 1921, Packard introduced the Single Six, a smaller, less
expensive alternative to the big, V-12, Twin Six. Packard refined
the Single Six and lowered its price over the next few years. The
Second Series, introduced in December 1923, had four-wheel brakes
and claimed 20-mpg economy. It easily outsold the new Single Eight
introduced at the same time due to its reliability and it's
thousand-dollar difference in price. The Third Series six,
introduced in February 1925, did even better and contributed to
more than three-quarters of Packard sales. The Fourth Series
six-cylinder Packard, now called simply "Six," was introduced in
August 1926. The engine benefited from a new "Turbo-Head" with
redesigned combustion chambers that boosted horsepower to 81. New
aluminum pistons and a redesigned intake manifold also contributed
to the improved performance. This was also the first production
automobile to use a hypoid differential, which, allowed for a lower
ride height. The Packard Six was really doing well, outselling the
Eights four to one and resulting in a four-month waiting list. The
final iteration of the Packard Six (until a much smaller and less
expensive model was built in 1937) was the Fifth Series Six,
introduced on July 1, 1927. It came on 126" and 133" wheelbases and
labeled as Series 526 and 533. The 81 horsepower, 288.6 cubic inch
displacement engine was refined with better lubrication, an oil
filter and four-point mounting. With nearly 22,000 built, the Six
still outsold the Eights by a wide margin. One of less than fifteen
known to survive, this unusual 1927 Series 533 Four Passenger Coupe
is finished in the same paint scheme that Packard featured in its
sales literature for closed cars in 1928. With its chassis number
of 126713, it was one of the first Fifth Series Sixes built and was
likely built in late 1927. The four-passenger coupe body style is
often referred to by today's collectors as a victoria coupe. It is
a very sporty two-door body design with suicide-style front doors,
seating for four and a rear, bustle back trunk built into the
body-a feature that was used only on this particular body style. It
was the second, most expensive six-cylinder Packard built with a
base-selling price of 2,685.00. This particular example is being
offered from the estate of a prominent local collector. While its
early history is unknown, it was purchased about fifteen years ago
and has been stored in a climate-controlled, museum-like
environment. During his ownership, this Packard was always well
maintained and used sparingly. As an older restoration of a very
original car, this 1927 Packard has a great look about it. The
exterior paint is older but well preserved. It has the usual wear
one would expect from an older repaint. The paint has an overall,
even but mellowed gloss to it and still shines well. It is likely
that this vehicle was never completely disassembled and has only
been repainted once. This car is not perfect by any means but
displays itself nicely. There is a broken casting on the dash as
well as some other small defects. The windows are also a little
stiff going up and down. The body is rock solid. The doors open and
close like those of a bank vault with that solid sound that one
expects to hear from a Packard of this era. The doors fit the body
well and properly align with the cowl and rear quarters. Likewise,
the hood aligns properly with the radiator shell and cowl. The
fenders are just as smooth underneath as they are on the top and do
not appear to have even been damaged or repaired. This is really a
very solid and well-preserved car. The lavish, cloth interior
inside this coupe is believed to be original. It shows just the
right amount of wear from being almost 90 years old, yet, is very
clean and very presentable. The front passenger seat hinges forward
to allow access to the rear bench seat. Behind the driver's seat is
a storage box that one could use for storing their hats or to hide
other objects of importance. The seats, door panels and headliner
are very well preserved and have a great original look to them. The
dashboard and the wood trim items have a nice, mellowed glow to
their finish. The gauges are clean and clear. The chrome plating on
the original Packard drum headlamps, the radiator shell, bumpers
and other accessories was likely redone many years ago when the car
was repainted and today, remains very clean. Under the hood, the
original Packard engine remains clean and well maintained. The
engine has its original and correct distributor, Packard carburetor
and vacuum fuel delivery system. On the firewall, the Bijur chassis
oiling system is in place with its control lever mounted inside,
underneath the dashboard. The engine starts easily and runs well.
As expected, it is smooth and quiet-a signature feature of these
early Packard six cylinder engines. The underneath of the car
appears largely original. There is no evidence of excessive wear or
damage to any of the chassis components and the chassis retains
much of its original hardware and fittings. This particular 1927
Series 533 Packard Four Passenger Coupe is well equipped with many
factory accessories including disc wheels, dual, side-mounted spare
tires with covers rear view mirrors, a Packard moto-meter
temperature gauge mounted on a Goddess of Speed mascot, dual, rear
Packard tail lights, and a rear mounted luggage rack. Aftermarket
accessories including a pair of Trippe front driving lights,
auxiliary rear taillights, and a set of air-horns, mounted
underneath the hood. Packard Sixes from 1925 to 1928 are recognized
by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as Full Classics � and
eligible for all CCCA meets and CARavans. The Fifth Series Packards
are well respected by collectors and appreciated for their agile
driving qualities, ease of maintenance, and overall reliability.
This example, with its rare, four-passenger coupe body will stand
out in any collection or show and will certainly be an enjoyable
and comfortable car for long distance touring.
