1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Rumble Seat Coupe

As the 1920s came to a close, Packard was a very well-established and successful manufacturer. Their cars were well-engineered and properly built for the discerning and well-funded buyer. The Packards of the classic era almost always outsold their competitors, including Pierce-Arrow, Lincoln, and Cadillac.

Packard introduced their new Custom Eight 640 in 1929. It had a chassis that was specifically designed to carry custom and semi-custom bodies. Many had long hoods that concealed the 106 horsepower, nine-main bearing straight-eight engines.

This example is an original coupe body that is equipped with a rumble seat. It has been in the same ownership for over three decades. During that time it has seen little, yet gentle, use. During the course of its life, it has traveled only 35,878 miles. It has been treated to a professional and comprehensive restoration bringing it back to its original condition. The $100,000 frame-off job was completed in 1994.

The car is finished in a tri-tone blue livery with gold leaf coach lines. The interior is the correct gray wool fabric.

It has been awarded a first-in-class award at the Silverado Concours and at the Packard Club of America's 19th Annual meet. It won Best of Show at the North Lake Tahoe Antique and Collector Car Show. In 1994 it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours and was awarded a second in class.

Over the past 13 years, it has traveled a mere 500 miles. In 2007 It was offered for sale at the Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. It was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $150,000. At the close of the auction, the lot had been left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2010