- Quality 2017 restoration by noted marque specialist
- One of three listed in the Packard Club directory
- Only example known in the five-passenger configuration
- Invited and shown at the 2018 Concours d'Elegance of Texas
- A Classic Car Club of America Full Classic®
LOT 162
Selling on Friday
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Phaeton
Nothing says supreme elegance louder than a Packard. As the car that defined American luxury, Packard's fine motorcars were found in any place where a grand entrance was the order of the day. For over five decades the Packard name was a hallmark of indulgence, as they built cars for kings, queens, movie stars, and every other facet of society's finest. Bette Davis, Clark Gable, and Errol Flynn all drove a Packard, and the flamboyant Flynn also kept an Auburn Roadster in his stable. Given the length and dramatic appearance of a grand Packard, it's not hard to imagine one pulling up under the marquee lights on the opening night at the theater. Certainly, if one's arrival to a social event had to be noticed, there was no better way than to arrive in one of Packard's large and formal cars. In the Golden Era of the classic car, Packard reigned supreme as they built cars that were rivaled only by Cadillac, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, and Rolls-Royce. In the present day, these fine Packards occupy the fields of the best concours shows around the globe as a tribute to the very best.
Offered here to the collector of fine classics is a magnificent piece of history in the way of a 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Phaeton, that is one of just three listed in the Packard Club directory and the only known example of this car in the five-passenger configuration. This Packard 640 was restored in 2017 by noted Packard specialist Gene O'Hara. Finished in a brilliant burgundy with contrasting black fenders, it is a stunning car from any angle and is nicely accented by dual side-mounted spare tires and color keyed artillery styled rims. Up front is the classic "donut chaser" hood ornament and cowl lights add an elegant touch. At the rear is a luggage rack with beautiful wood accents and new convertible top features black canvas with red piping. Elegant bumpers give this Packard an Art Deco appeal and a period-correct license plate adds another dimension in authenticity. Power for this Packard comes from its tried and proven 384 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder that offers plenty of power with whisper quiet efficiency. The engine compartment is impeccably detailed with proper colors, wiring, and copper tubing all giving testimony to Packard's well-known reputation as an excellent engine builder. The interior is upholstered in fine black leather with red piping that makes for a classy and dramatic statement. All door panels, trim, carpets, glass, and interior hardware present as new and speak directly to the quality of this Packard's restoration. Most impressive is the beautiful woodwork on the dashboard that houses the exquisite instrumentation. Rear passengers are treated to fine carpeting and foot rests that were all too common in its day but have since been relegated to history. The large Packard steering wheel lets the driver know that one is driving a 4,300-pound car that handles surprisingly well for a car of its size. The Packard 640 Custom Eight Phaeton rides on newer tires and has an impressive 140.5-inch wheelbase that makes it the perfect car for touring of any distance. Making its show debut, it was invited and displayed at the 2018 Concours d'Elegance of Texas.
The power and prestige that comes with owning a senior Packard that is fully recognized by the Classic Car Club of America is something that can't be measured and the arrival of a car like this on the concours show field is a sight that makes everyone stop and stare. The restoration of this 640 Custom Eight Phaeton clearly demonstrates that it is one of the best of its kind and is a Packard that can stand tall on show fields.
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