1928 Packard Model 533 Six Tourer

Packard's quickly established itself as the premier builder of luxury cars. James Ward Packard had purchased a Winton motor carriage and was convinced he could build a better product. He was aided by his brother along with two former employees of the Winton Company, with production established in Warren, Ohio in his electrical engineering factory. Their first car was a single-cylinder Model A Runabout introduced in November of 1899. Soon, they were able to attract wealthy clients who were seeking a car with innovative engineering and superior build quality.

Two-, four- and six-cylinder engines quickly followed, allowing the ambiance of the car to excel as larger and more stately bodies were not able to be fitted to the chassis and carried by the larger, more powerful engines. In 1916, the Twin Six (V12) engine was introduced. It was an immediate success for the company and was last until 1924 when the new Single Eight models were introduced. These lines of cars were the first Packards to utilize four-wheel brakes. The straight-eight engine was an engineering marvel; it featured nine-main bearings, side valves, displaces 5.9-liters, and was capable of producing 85 horsepower. When introduced, there were two wheelbase sizes and ten body styles.

1925 was a very prosperous year for the company, posting its greatest production, earnings, and sales. They had more than $12 million in profits which would aid them in a few years, during the Great Depression.

In 1926, Packard introduced their custom models which greatly increased the versatility of their line-up. Custom bodies were offered with coachwork by Derham, Dietrich, Fleetwood, Judkins, and Holbrook (to name a few).

For 1927, Packard introduced Bijur chassis lubrication and hypoid final drive gears to their Eight Series. The engine was enlarged, now displacing 6.3 liters. Horsepower rose accordingly, now rated at 105 bhp. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 80 mph. Optional color schemes became available at no additional charge in 1927.

This vehicle is a Packard Model 533 Tourer that is equipped with original dual side-mounts, a rear-mounted trunk, and disc-covered wheels. It was brought to the 2007 Bonhams Auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia, held at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, California. The car had an estimated value of $70,000 - $80,000. The lot was not sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008