1927 Packard 426 Six Roadster

The Packard Single Six was introduced in 1921. It was smaller and less expensive than the company's V-12 Twin Six. Over the next few years, Packard continued to refine the Single Six and was even able to lower its price. The Second Series, introduced in December 1923, had four-wheel brakes and claimed a 20-mpg economy. With its lower price point, it easily outsold the new Single Eight introduced at the same time. The Third Series Six, introduced in February of 1925, proved to be very popular and accounted for more than three-quarters of Packard sales.

In August of 1926, Packard introduced its Fourth Series six-cylinder Packard, now called simply 'Six.' The engine was improved with a new 'Turbo-Head' with redesigned combustion chambers. New aluminum pistons and a redesigned intake manifold were also added. They were also the first production automobile with a hypoid differential, which allowed for a lower ride height.

This 1927 Packard 426 Runabout is one of just 10 known to survive. It is finished in the same paint scheme that Packard featured in its sales literature for open cars in 1927. It was delivered new in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and remained in that area for 70 years prior to acquisition by the current owner in 1997.

During the 1960s, the car was given a cosmetic restoration. After purchasing the car in 1997, the current owner undertook a full restoration that took eight-and-a-half years to complete. The final delivery was in December 2005.

After the work was completed, the car received its AACA First Junior at Mobile Alabama, in March of 2006, followed by Senior at Virginia Beach in May, AACA National at Philadelphia in February 2007, and Grand National at Hickory Corners, Michigan, that July. It received the Grand National Senior prize in Melbourne, Florida, in March 2008.

It received its CCCA Primary award at Mt. Olive, New Jersey, in April 2006, followed by Senior designation at Dearborn, with a 100-point pin, in July 2006. The car has also scored 1st place at the National Meet of Packard Automobile Classics in Michigan in July 2006.