1928 PACKARD MODEL 443 EIGHT RUNABOUT
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1928 PACKARD MODEL 443 EIGHT RUNABOUT

Details
1928 PACKARD MODEL 443 EIGHT RUNABOUT
Chassis No. 229991
Engine No. 230047
Cream yellow with black fenders and black and gold pinstriping with brown leather interior and a beige top
Engine: L-head, straight eight, 384ci., 109bhp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual with reverse; Suspension: front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drums. 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, lasting 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 a smooth and effortless performance. The new engine provided the model name for Packard's most prestigious model of the era, the Eight. In 1928 the Eight cylinder engine was the root of the Packard line. Designated either the Standard or Custom Eight, (a misnomer by most accounts as the Custom Eight was not truly a Packard custom car), it would be the cornerstone of the model line as the six cylinder line was phased out of production completely and replaced by the newly configured eight cylinder versions.
The Fourth Series cars were offered with over twenty different body styles to choose from supplemented by an increasingly diverse selection of color choices. Packard executive Alvan Macauley looked to the Model 443 to boost sales, and he accomplished this by standardizing production and offering the cars in a selection of factory designated configurations. Production of motor cars for 1928 rose quite substantially as it totaled over 8,000, up from the previous year's figures of approximately 5,000. Prices were decreased slightly, however, with various options such as side mount spare tires, total cost of the cars had not really changed very much. Several mechanical improvements were executed on the 1928 line of cars as well. Notably, a new cylinder bore lubrication system was introduced and utilized a tubular oil manifold alongside the cylinders with passages drilled into each cylinder bore. As it was connected with the choke control, the oil flowed only when the carburetor choke was in operation, the effects of which prevented any raw gasoline from washing away oil along the cylinder walls. This process cut down on engine wear and helped provide for long-lasting engine life. The 1928 Fourth Series Packard again proved the company's dedication to perfecting their own nearly flawless quality motor car.
This very attractive example was purchased by Mr. Browning in 1982 from Mr. Robert Castignetti. Reportedly one of Mr. Browning's favorite cars, this Packard Model 443 Eight Runabout is a very presentable and authentic example. We understand that Mr. Browning used to treat many of his visitors for spirited rides throught the Utah canyon roads in this Packard. It is tastefully finished in the thoughtful color scheme of cream yellow and black with gold and black pinstriping. The paintwork is in very good overall condition and is complemented by the brown leather interior and tan convertible top, both of which are well presented. Certainly an older restoration, the Packard displays signs of road use as the underbody and engine bay are presentable, but do show distinct signs of use and wear. The interior gauges are correct and feature a Waltham eight day clock and a mileage of just under 18,000 miles on the correct speedometer. Additional accessories and highlights include an original trunk and cover, a Hallco tail lamp, dual Packard drum Pilot Ray Spreadlights, dual Parabeam drum headlamps, dual side mount spot lamps and dual side mount spares with chrome covers and side mirrors. We understand that a rather boisterous air horn system is installed as well and makes quite an impressive sound when turning corners and arriving at any Classic Car Club event.

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