.jpg?w=1)
Details
1929 PACKARD 640 CUSTOM EIGHT PHAETON
Chassis No. 178814
Engine No. 177506C
Green with black wings and green leather interior
Engine: straight eight, 384.8ci, 106bhp 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, 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 this era, the Eight. The eight cylinder was designated the 640 for 1920 and was offered in 21 body styles. 1920 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.
In general, the new Packard was a major improvement from the 1928 line-up. The 640 was a mechanically upgraded car that, though not entirely different looking from its predecessor, made the fifth series Packards obsolete in the eyes of many new owners who were now driving new sixth series models. The ride was drastically changed with the introduction of a shock-absorbed 'loose trunion' suspension system that resembled a modern four-wheel independent system. The 'loose trunion' system led to the design of a rocker mount held in place by four short compression springs, and road shock was effectively absorbed by the fore and aft movement of this loose mount. Interior space and leg room were improved by moving the shift lever from the top of the transmission case to a plate on the bell housing, giving both the driver and passenger ample space and maximum comfort.
The Packard name had an almost unrivaled familiarity throughout the world and the 1929 640 helped carry the Packard namesake through the Depression. The loyalty of Packard customers to their cars was the foremost reason for the continued Packard presence in America following the Depression. This was a testament to the high quality of engineering, mechanics and attractive styling that Packard had come to be synonymous with.
The 640 Phaeton on offer here was purchased in 1986 by Mr. Millett. We understand that the Packard ran quite smoothly when last operated several years ago. The older restoration has begun to show some age as the paint shows some blistering and spidering throughout the bodywork. The brightwork is slightly mottled and has some pitting throughout the chrome. The 640 Phaeton features dual side mount spares with tan canvas covers, as well as See Rite Packard mirrors, a Sparton horn and green wire wheels with whitewall tires. The tan canvas top is trimmed with green leather piping and complements the green leather interior all of which appears to be in very original condition.
The Packard 640 is a truly stylish motor car. With owners like Gary Cooper behind the wheel, the 640 Phaeton was a popular and admired piece of design in its time. Today it is considered a full classic by the Classic Car Club of America and is eligible for many of the national club events and tours.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. 178814
Engine No. 177506C
Green with black wings and green leather interior
Engine: straight eight, 384.8ci, 106bhp 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, 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 this era, the Eight. The eight cylinder was designated the 640 for 1920 and was offered in 21 body styles. 1920 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.
In general, the new Packard was a major improvement from the 1928 line-up. The 640 was a mechanically upgraded car that, though not entirely different looking from its predecessor, made the fifth series Packards obsolete in the eyes of many new owners who were now driving new sixth series models. The ride was drastically changed with the introduction of a shock-absorbed 'loose trunion' suspension system that resembled a modern four-wheel independent system. The 'loose trunion' system led to the design of a rocker mount held in place by four short compression springs, and road shock was effectively absorbed by the fore and aft movement of this loose mount. Interior space and leg room were improved by moving the shift lever from the top of the transmission case to a plate on the bell housing, giving both the driver and passenger ample space and maximum comfort.
The Packard name had an almost unrivaled familiarity throughout the world and the 1929 640 helped carry the Packard namesake through the Depression. The loyalty of Packard customers to their cars was the foremost reason for the continued Packard presence in America following the Depression. This was a testament to the high quality of engineering, mechanics and attractive styling that Packard had come to be synonymous with.
The 640 Phaeton on offer here was purchased in 1986 by Mr. Millett. We understand that the Packard ran quite smoothly when last operated several years ago. The older restoration has begun to show some age as the paint shows some blistering and spidering throughout the bodywork. The brightwork is slightly mottled and has some pitting throughout the chrome. The 640 Phaeton features dual side mount spares with tan canvas covers, as well as See Rite Packard mirrors, a Sparton horn and green wire wheels with whitewall tires. The tan canvas top is trimmed with green leather piping and complements the green leather interior all of which appears to be in very original condition.
The Packard 640 is a truly stylish motor car. With owners like Gary Cooper behind the wheel, the 640 Phaeton was a popular and admired piece of design in its time. Today it is considered a full classic by the Classic Car Club of America and is eligible for many of the national club events and tours.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.