1928 Packard Model 526 Six

As the 1920s were coming to a close, Packard was comfortably positioned at the top of the luxury car segment, outselling Cadillac by a 3 to 1 margin. Among the reasons for Packard's success were its quality construction, quiet and sophisticated mechanical components, well-appointed interiors, and attractive styling. Packard automobiles were also recognized worldwide as a symbol of success and wealth, further adding to its appeal.

Packard introduced its fifth series Model 526 on July 1st of 1927 which represents the final year of Packard Six production. The history of the Packard six-cylinder engine dates back to 1920 when Packard sought to broaden its market with an affordable Packard. By 1922, the Second Series Six added ease-of-operation, being easier to start and operate, and produced until the late 1920s. Although it was still more expensive than a Ford, it was far more powerful and sophisticated, and fed by an updraft carburetor helped to develop 81 horsepower. Production of the Six ended after the 1928 model year, only to be once again re-introduced to the Packard line in 1937 when the company - in the midst of the Great Depression - sought to broaden its customer base.

The 1928 Packard model lineup included the Fourth Series Model 443 (Custom and Standard) with a single 143-inch wheelbase and powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine offering 109 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. Twenty body designs were offered in the Packard catalog with coachwork by Holbrook, Dietrich, LeBaron, Judkins, Rollston, Murphy, Fleetwood, and Derham. Of those, nine were standard production styles, offered with fewer features than the Custom designs but at a more affordable price point.

The 1928 Packard Fifth Series Six line included the Model 526 and 533, with the 526 resting on a 126-inch wheelbase and the 533 on a larger 133-inch platform. All 1928 Packards were equipped with a three-speed transmission with a two-plate clutch, Hypoid differential, and mechanical brakes on all wheels.

The six-cylinder engine had a 288.6 cubic-inch displacement, seven main bearings, a Packard updraft carburetor, mechanical valve lifters, and produced 81 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The engine was refined with better lubrication, an oil filter, and four-point mounting replacing the prior 'three' setup.

Body styles on the longer Model 533 came with designs by Brewster, Derham, Dietrich, and others. New production bodies for the 1928 Model 533 included the two-passenger runabout and phaeton, joining the seven-passenger touring, sedan, club sedan, and sedan limousine. The 126-inch platform of the 1928 Model 526 gained a convertible coupe and coupe, joining the sedan, runabout, and phaeton.

Prices of the Model 526 ranged from $1,975 to $2,125, while the larger, Custom-bodied Model 533 ranged from $2,085 to $2,500. The Standard Eight was priced from $3,875 to $4,450, while the Custom Eight listed for $3,875 to $4,550.

As would be expected, the more economical and less expensive Six easily outsold the Single Eight. Model year production of the 526 was 28,336 units, and 13,414 of the Model 533. Model year production of the Packard Eight in 1928 was 7,800 examples.

In 1929, Packard's model lineup included the Standard Eight on a 126.5- and 133.5-inch wheelbase previously carrying the Model Six. A new 626 Speedster joined the Packard line, incorporating the 'big engine small platform' theme. The 384.4 CID eight had a high compression head, high-lift camshaft, high-speed vacuum pump, nine main bearings, solid valve lifters, and metric plugs, helping to deliver 130 horsepower to the rear wheels.

At the top-of-the-range for 1929 were the Custom Eight 640 and the Deluxe Eight 645, powered by a 384.8 CID eight delivering 105 horsepower and resting on a 140.5-inch (Model 640) and 145.5-inch (model 645) platform.

Eight-cylinder engines would be the sole power unit driving Packards through 1932 when the Twin Six (twelve-cylinder) was introduced.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020