1928 Packard Model 533 Six Phaeton

Packard's Single Six line of automobiles was introduced in 1921. It was less expensive than the big V-12 Twin Six and opened the company up to a larger segment of buyers. It was priced at three-quarters the larger car's sticker price and rode on a 'short' 116-inch wheelbase. Though elegant and impressive, the sales were rather disappointing. In the years that followed, Packard continued to refine their Single Six and lowered its price.

The second series of the Packard Single Six was introduced in December of 1923 and had four-wheel brakes and improved fuel economy - rated at 20 miles per gallon. Sales were better, outselling the new Single Eight introduced at the same time. Part of the popularity was due to its $1,000 price advantage.

The final iteration of the Packard Six (until a much smaller and less expensive model in 1937) was the Fifth series, introduced on July 1st of 1927. Packard offered it on two wheelbase sizes and the coachwork was handled by Brewster, Derham, Dietrich, and others. Sales continued to be strong, with nearly 22,000 examples built.

Packard Sixes from 1925 to 1928 are recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as 'Full Classics,' eligible for all CCCA meets and CARavans.

This vehicle is a Series 533 Phaeton powered by a 288.6 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder engine rated at 81 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and there are four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The wheelbase measures 133 inches.

Owners of this car include Tim Hunt, Tim Coppage of St. Louis, Missouri, and Charles 'CY' Painter of Laguna Beach, California. The car was delivered new in San Jose, California on July 22nd of 1927 and little is known of the early history. Mr. Painter bought it in 1971 from another California collector. It is painted in dark green paint with a cream beltline molding, accented in red.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $70,000 - $90,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $52,250 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012