1924 Packard Single Eight Sport Phaeton

Packard introduced its inline eight engine in mid-1923, becoming the basis of its models for the next three decades. Chief Engineer Jesse Vincent and his staff created the engine by cutting a four-cylinder engine in two, putting half on each end of a four-cylinder engine. With a new crankshaft, the arrangement resulted in an unusual firing sequence that balanced the reciprocating forces of the engine - smoothness of operation was a Packard hallmark.

The four-seat coachwork of this car was provided to Packard by Pullman of Chicago. The Sport Model was a unique 'speedster-type' car that was roughly six inches narrower and six-inches lower than standard phaetons. Pullman is best known for building railroad passenger cars, but also built bodies for automobiles from 1919 to 1936. It is painted Dustproof Gray Deep with Vermillion accents and remains all original with the exception of repainted disc wheels. It was a Pennsylvania car all its life until it was purchased by the current owners in 2006.

It is estimated that only 100 of these lithe bodies were built by Pullman for Packard, with very few still in existence. These cars were powered by the 358 cubic-inch inline 8-cylinder engine, producing 85 horsepower.

This car was first delivered to Paul Weiant of Allentown, Pennsylvania, owner of the Economy Pretzel Company, the huge snack-baking conglomerate. Superbly preserved for years, this Packard remains entirely original, including paint, upholstery, and top.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019