1928 Packard Model 443 Eight

Packard called its new 8-cylinder car 'Custom' models for 1928, in spite of the fact that they were not custom cars, nor even limited series models. They were part of the company's own production lines, and available with custom coachwork for those with discriminating tastes and VIP status like American celebrities and business tycoons. There were nine standard body styles in the Custom Eight line for 1928, all riding on a 143-inch wheelbase and powered by a 383 cubic-inch, L-head 109 horsepower, near-silent straight-eight engine. First made available in mid-1923, the nine-main bearing engine had been substantially upgraded in 1926. Standard chassis equipment included a Bijur chassis lubrication system and mechanical four-wheel brakes.

The model 443 of 1928 was part of the Fourth Series and earned its name from its 143-inch wheelbase - hence the 4-43 series designation. Since Packard did not adhere to standard model year cycles, Fourth Series production bridged over into 1928, and would total 7,798 units in both Custom and Standard model lines. Standard and Custom models were similar, both offered the same body factory body styles and were fitted with similar mechanical setups. The differences were in the higher level of trim, accouterments, and luxury bestowed upon the Custom.