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Details
1923 PACKARD MODEL 126 THE SINGLE SIX PHAETON
Registration No. Not UK Registered
Engine No. 46863A
Dark blue with black interior
Engine: six cylinder in-line, 268.4ci., 54bhp at 2,700rpm; Gearbox: 3-speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive.
In 1898 James Ward Packard, an electric lamp manufacturer of Warren, Ohio, bought his first car - a Winton. Dissatisfied, he decided to design and build his own car. By 1903 Packard opened a new factory in Detroit and rapidly became one of America's leading car manufacturers. The Packards acquired a favourable reputation for their fine engineering, long service, early racing success and their great 12-cylinder luxury cars. Clearly recognisable by a distinct yoke-shaped radiator and fluted bonnet, Packard projected an aura of prestige and excellence. The Packard workmanship was also favourably compared to that of Rolls-Royce. As early as 1903, Packard established the first factory school in auto engineering with regular classes for employees that later expanded to month-long courses in car maintenance and repair for Packard chauffeurs and owners. In the early years, Packard took an unusual step in the USA by establishing its own factory dealerships that sold directly to the public rather than through independent agencies. In order to maintain their high standards in quality, Packard decided to build as many parts as possible in-house.
The Single Six Model 126 was introduced in 1922 and was very well received indeed by the buying public, as well as by the motoring press. One of the most optimistic reviews was in the April 11, 1923 issue of The Tatler which stated "generally speaking I am not enamoured with cars,...It has to be a pretty good Yankee, therefore, that can overcome my initial prejudice; but when after doing that it contrives to fill me with an uncontrollable lust for possession, then I can assure you it is something right out of the common rut. [The Single Six is], in my humble opinion, as near being the very best car in the world as makes no difference...The plain fact is that this is a car in which I simply cannot find fault. It is as docile as an angel, but goes like the very devil. It is supremely well sprung, it is uncannily silent, it is a miser on petrol, it steers no heavier than a wisp of cigarette smoke, it climbs like a chamois - in short, it just does anything that it should, and does most things a good deal better than you would think possible".
Formerly residing in New Zealand, this 'Six' was purchased by the current owners there more than a decade ago. The Packard appears to have received some minor restoration work over the years including re-upholstering in black fabric, a vinyl hood and attention to the paintwork, however in essence it appears to be largely original. It is equipped with a Packard Motometer and a faux jewel dashlight.
Although, a good number of these cars (the Model 126) were made, few examples appear to be in existence today. This car with the benefit of careful recommissioning when returned to the road could provide entry level four person touring.
Registration No. Not UK Registered
Engine No. 46863A
Dark blue with black interior
Engine: six cylinder in-line, 268.4ci., 54bhp at 2,700rpm; Gearbox: 3-speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive.
In 1898 James Ward Packard, an electric lamp manufacturer of Warren, Ohio, bought his first car - a Winton. Dissatisfied, he decided to design and build his own car. By 1903 Packard opened a new factory in Detroit and rapidly became one of America's leading car manufacturers. The Packards acquired a favourable reputation for their fine engineering, long service, early racing success and their great 12-cylinder luxury cars. Clearly recognisable by a distinct yoke-shaped radiator and fluted bonnet, Packard projected an aura of prestige and excellence. The Packard workmanship was also favourably compared to that of Rolls-Royce. As early as 1903, Packard established the first factory school in auto engineering with regular classes for employees that later expanded to month-long courses in car maintenance and repair for Packard chauffeurs and owners. In the early years, Packard took an unusual step in the USA by establishing its own factory dealerships that sold directly to the public rather than through independent agencies. In order to maintain their high standards in quality, Packard decided to build as many parts as possible in-house.
The Single Six Model 126 was introduced in 1922 and was very well received indeed by the buying public, as well as by the motoring press. One of the most optimistic reviews was in the April 11, 1923 issue of The Tatler which stated "generally speaking I am not enamoured with cars,...It has to be a pretty good Yankee, therefore, that can overcome my initial prejudice; but when after doing that it contrives to fill me with an uncontrollable lust for possession, then I can assure you it is something right out of the common rut. [The Single Six is], in my humble opinion, as near being the very best car in the world as makes no difference...The plain fact is that this is a car in which I simply cannot find fault. It is as docile as an angel, but goes like the very devil. It is supremely well sprung, it is uncannily silent, it is a miser on petrol, it steers no heavier than a wisp of cigarette smoke, it climbs like a chamois - in short, it just does anything that it should, and does most things a good deal better than you would think possible".
Formerly residing in New Zealand, this 'Six' was purchased by the current owners there more than a decade ago. The Packard appears to have received some minor restoration work over the years including re-upholstering in black fabric, a vinyl hood and attention to the paintwork, however in essence it appears to be largely original. It is equipped with a Packard Motometer and a faux jewel dashlight.
Although, a good number of these cars (the Model 126) were made, few examples appear to be in existence today. This car with the benefit of careful recommissioning when returned to the road could provide entry level four person touring.
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium