1929 Packard 640 Custom - No Sale at $195,000

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Source: Hyman Ltd
St. Louis, MO, U.S.A.

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With the Packard name long retired, it is difficult today to remember the degree to which the Packard dominated the fine car segment. Throughout most of the classic era, Packard outsold all its competitors – including Lincoln, Cadillac, and Pierce-Arrow – combined. Nonetheless, the market was changing in the late twenties. Although Packard’s 1928 production totaled an all time record 49,698 cars, the vast majority, more than 41,000 cars, were the less expensive six-cylinder cars. This was not a reflection of economic weakness; rather, it represented the result of offering a more affordable Packard to an increasingly affluent marketplace that was enjoying an unprecedented boom. The old money, however, remained faithful to Packard’s top of the line Deluxe Eight. 1929 remains, even today, infamous as the year the stock market collapsed. Ironically, despite the crash it was a banner year for the economy; the negative economic side effects wouldn’t be felt for a few years to come. It was this delayed reaction that ensured car manufacturers, particularly in the luxury sector, would continue to concentrate on strengthening their product offering to the upper segment of the market. Earlier in 1929, before the stock market crashed, Packard introduced the Model 640 “Custom Eight” and 645 “Deluxe Eight”, chassis’ specifically designed for the extravagant custom and semi-custom bodies of the time. These long wheelbase cars, with their long hoods and their strong and silent nine main bearing engines, have come to be regarded by collectors as the ultimate examples of Packard’s Sixth series cars. Several improvements meant Packard’s Sixth series cars were a cut above the previous year’s Packard lineup, as well as the competition. The suspension featured a shock-absorbed ‘loose trunion’ suspension system remarkably similar to what one might find on a modern day automobile. This development led to the design of a rocker mount held in place by four short compression springs; road shock was absorbed by the forward and backward movement of this loose trunion. Other mechanical improvements included moving the coolant temperature gauge from the radiator filler cap to an easy-to-read gauge on the dashboard, as well as the addition of an automatic cylinder oiler, which helped to prevent unnecessary wear caused by dry startups. Interior room was increased when the shift lever was moved from the top of the transmission casing to the bell housing. The Custom Eight offered here has been painstakingly restored to concours condition. The level of fit and finish is superb, as is the attention to minor details. Considered the most sporting coachwork, the highly desirable Runabout Roadster body, the lines are remarkable, with a long hood, low beltline, folding windshield, and in this case, dual side mounted spares, and fitted to the long 140" wheelbase chassis. Although the Roadster was the least expensive body style when new, they are the most highly prized today because they represent one of the last of the true open cars. These magnificent “summer only” cars were often purchased by the very wealthy for use at their summer homes, and as such, they recall a bygone era of elegance. The Packard has a host of desirable features such as with 6 chrome wire wheels, stone guard, side mount spare tires, rumble seat, golf bag door, a driver’s side mounted spotlight, rear mounted trunk rack, a tan Haartz cloth top and a matching leather interior. Please look carefully at the photos, this is an exceptional automobile. It is the perfect car for the show field, or to tour.

Specs & Info:

Auction Date: 25 May 2007
No Sale: $195,000
# Bids: 2
VIN: 172872
Miles: 275
Engine: 8
Transmission: manual
Exterior Color: white/blue
Interior Color: tan