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Details
1929 PACKARD 645 DUAL COWL PHAETON
COACHWORK BY DIETRICH
Chassis No. 174121
Engine No. 174121
Two shades of red with dark red fenders and red leather interior
Engine: straight eight, 384.8 ci., 120bhp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive.
The eight cylinder engine that Packard had revealed in 1923 as a successor to the V12 provided the backbone of Packard's future production which lasted up to the end of the 1930's. The design was a simple side valve (L-head) of the highest quality with a light alloy crankcase with the crankshaft running in nine main bearings. It gave smooth and effortless performance. The new engine provided the model name for Packard's most prestigious model of this era, the Eight. The eight cylinder was designated the 645 for 1929 and was offered in 21 body styles. This car carries the very desirable and attractive Dual Cowl Phaeton coachwork designed by Dietrich. The name of Dietrich is always closely associated with the finest coachbuilt Packards of the late 1920s and early 30s.
1929 marked the first application of the Packard family coat-of-arms as a radiator emblem. The temperature gauge was removed from the radiator filler cap to a more easily read dash-mounted position and an automatic cylinder oiler avoided engine wear caused by dry starts.
This well known genuine Dietrich Dual Cowl was owned for many years by noted collector and restorer, Mr. Tom Sparks. It was delivered new on April 16, 1929, however its ownership history is not known until after the war, when it was purchased by collector, Sheldon Greenland. Mr. Greenland used the Packard for many years in the Southern California region of the Classic Car Club events until the car was completeley disassembled for a total restoration. By the late 1970s, Tom Sparks purchased the Packard in complete but disassembled.
In a recent conversation Mr. Sparks recalled that the Packard was in excellent shape with no rust or major damage, and the only significant part that needed to be sourced was the correct original carburetor which he did find. He embarked upon a complete three year nut and bolt, no expense spared, restoration. As a custom bodied car, the Packard could have been ordered new in any color. Mr. Sparks selected this highly attractive color scheme of two shades of red lacquer. The beautifully finished red leather interior and canvas top was completed by leading specialist Tony Nancy, and all chrome work was entrusted to Christensen's.
Upon completion of the restoration in 1984, the Packard's competition results speak for themselves; the car won three Best of Show Awards including Santa Barbara, Silverado and Newport Beach. In addition there were a number of first place ribbons as well as a 100 point perfect score by the Classic Car Club of America. Shortly thereafter the Packard was sold to a collector from San Diego who in turn sold it to a prominent international collector. Since then the Packard has been carefully maintained and displayed in this private museum. Upon recent inspection by Christie's, it appears that the restoration of the Packard has carefully been undertaken and recently completed, and the car would still be quite competitive in many show circles. The correct steel spring gaitors are intact as are the rarely fitted engine pans. The gauges are correct and all appear to be functioning. Optional equipment includes twin spot lamps and Pilot Rays, a stone guard and stainless steel spokes.
COACHWORK BY DIETRICH
Chassis No. 174121
Engine No. 174121
Two shades of red with dark red fenders and red leather interior
Engine: straight eight, 384.8 ci., 120bhp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive.
The eight cylinder engine that Packard had revealed in 1923 as a successor to the V12 provided the backbone of Packard's future production which lasted up to the end of the 1930's. The design was a simple side valve (L-head) of the highest quality with a light alloy crankcase with the crankshaft running in nine main bearings. It gave smooth and effortless performance. The new engine provided the model name for Packard's most prestigious model of this era, the Eight. The eight cylinder was designated the 645 for 1929 and was offered in 21 body styles. This car carries the very desirable and attractive Dual Cowl Phaeton coachwork designed by Dietrich. The name of Dietrich is always closely associated with the finest coachbuilt Packards of the late 1920s and early 30s.
1929 marked the first application of the Packard family coat-of-arms as a radiator emblem. The temperature gauge was removed from the radiator filler cap to a more easily read dash-mounted position and an automatic cylinder oiler avoided engine wear caused by dry starts.
This well known genuine Dietrich Dual Cowl was owned for many years by noted collector and restorer, Mr. Tom Sparks. It was delivered new on April 16, 1929, however its ownership history is not known until after the war, when it was purchased by collector, Sheldon Greenland. Mr. Greenland used the Packard for many years in the Southern California region of the Classic Car Club events until the car was completeley disassembled for a total restoration. By the late 1970s, Tom Sparks purchased the Packard in complete but disassembled.
In a recent conversation Mr. Sparks recalled that the Packard was in excellent shape with no rust or major damage, and the only significant part that needed to be sourced was the correct original carburetor which he did find. He embarked upon a complete three year nut and bolt, no expense spared, restoration. As a custom bodied car, the Packard could have been ordered new in any color. Mr. Sparks selected this highly attractive color scheme of two shades of red lacquer. The beautifully finished red leather interior and canvas top was completed by leading specialist Tony Nancy, and all chrome work was entrusted to Christensen's.
Upon completion of the restoration in 1984, the Packard's competition results speak for themselves; the car won three Best of Show Awards including Santa Barbara, Silverado and Newport Beach. In addition there were a number of first place ribbons as well as a 100 point perfect score by the Classic Car Club of America. Shortly thereafter the Packard was sold to a collector from San Diego who in turn sold it to a prominent international collector. Since then the Packard has been carefully maintained and displayed in this private museum. Upon recent inspection by Christie's, it appears that the restoration of the Packard has carefully been undertaken and recently completed, and the car would still be quite competitive in many show circles. The correct steel spring gaitors are intact as are the rarely fitted engine pans. The gauges are correct and all appear to be functioning. Optional equipment includes twin spot lamps and Pilot Rays, a stone guard and stainless steel spokes.