Vehicle Description
The summer of 1927 saw Packard introduce its newest model, known
officially as the Fourth Series, or the 4-43. Based on a 143"
wheelbase and powered by the same proven 385 cubic inch inline
eight-cylinder engine as the 1926 models, this new car represented
a typically evolutionary step forward for Packard. The legendary
straight eight featured nine main bearings, L-head valve
arrangement and produced 109 horsepower, delivered with sublime
smoothness. The engineers at Packard always strove for excellence
in reliability, drivability and quality, and they earned the
company's status as producers of some of the finest American cars
of the era. As usual with high end pre-war manufacturers, Packard
had the freedom to choose from an array of standard catalog bodies,
or they could select a custom body built by any number of favored
coachbuilders of the era. One of the most prestigious of those
American coachbuilders was Walter M. Murphy Coachbuilders of
Pasadena, California. Originally from Detroit, Walter M. Murphy was
practically born to be in the automobile business. His uncle,
William H. Murphy, had bankrolled Henry Ford in 1899 and later
worked closely with Henry Leland of Cadillac and Lincoln fame.
Young Walter moved to California in 1904, and opened his first
dealership in Los Angeles in 1916, representing Simplex and
Locomobile. Success came quickly and by 1920, he operated the
premier West Coast Lincoln distributorship. At the same time, he
recognized the demand for top quality coachwork was not being met,
especially to the tastes of his California clientele, so he hired
the best talent he could and established Walter M. Murphy Co.
coachbuilding. Word spread of Murphy's quality and exquisite style,
particularly among Hollywood elite and the California business
world. Their bodies would go on to grace a great number of special
European chassis from the likes of Mercedes Benz, Minerva, and
Bentley. Murphy also holds the distinction of providing more bodies
for Duesenberg J and SJ chassis than any other coachbuilder -
nearly a quarter of total production. The intersection of Murphy
and Packard was a natural one, as both companies demanded
excellence in their products. However, given the more conservative
nature of Packard buyers, very few of them opted for Murphy
coachwork, making them exceptionally rare finds today. This
striking example is one such Packard to originally wear a Murphy
body, in this case, a gorgeous "Clear Vision" convertible sedan.
While the earliest history of this particular car is yet unknown,
it was purchased by its most recent owner some 40 years ago as a
restoration project. As so often happens, life and business took
precedent over the Packard, but the owner held on to the car,
knowing he had something special on his hands. Finally, within the
last 10 years, the owner was able to treat the car to a
much-deserved, no-expense-spared, body-off restoration undertaken
by Vintage Motorcars of Westbrook, Connecticut. This Packard 4-43
Custom Eight is now presented in a wonderful combination of
two-tone red, featuring a bright red main body and subtle, darker
red fenders, chassis and body feature lines. A dark red canvas top
and two-tone disc wheels complete the look, in a subtle, yet
visually imposing manner highlighting the masterful Murphy styling.
The restoration is excellent, with superb paint and finish quality.
Chrome drum-style Tilt Ray headlamps flank the chrome Packard
radiator grille, which is topped with a Packard Moto Meter in
combination with a Goddess of Speed mascot. The rear features an
upholstered, fitted trunk as well as a trunk rack to handle any
additional luggage. Dual side mount spares and painted disc wheels
have been fitted with fresh black-wall tires that lend this car a
marvelous, aggressive look. The bumpers are accented with
red-painted brackets, further enhancing the sporting appearance of
the Murphy bodywork. The lavish interior is trimmed in gorgeous and
supple tobacco-colored antiqued leather. The quality and execution
are outstanding, with the deep brown colors wonderfully judged
against the rich red of the body and canvas top. Door panels are
trimmed in the same subtle antiqued leather as the seats, with
intricate stitching and beautiful detail. Like the seats, the brown
carpets are expertly fitted, lining the front and rear compartments
as well as the lower edges of the door cards. We particularly like
the details such as leather covered sills with Murphy badges grace
all four doors. The marvelous interior not only looks fabulous, but
when viewed in person, the colors, materials and quality can be
truly appreciated. As a convertible sedan, this Packard features a
fully opening soft top, with the all-weather comfort afforded by
roll up windows that seal tight against the top frame. The dash is
equipped with original instruments and is finished to original
specification with a beautiful wood grain finish. A stylish finish
touch is the marbleized shift knob topping the gear lever.
Packard's turbine-like 385 cubic inch inline-eight is presented in
excellent condition, detailed to a high standard in correct Packard
green with black porcelain manifolds. A set of period Champion
spark plugs demonstrate the level of detail achieved in the
restoration. Since the project was completed, this stunning 4-43
Custom Eight has been minimally shown and is eligible for any
number of AACA, CCCA or similar events. Show quality finishing,
excellent road manners and stunning Murphy coachwork combine to
make this one seriously rare and highly desirable Packard.