This 1928 Packard Custom Eight is a Model 443 Runabout that was purchased circa 1980 by the Antique Automobile Museum of Utah, who subsequently commissioned a refurbishment in the early 1980s. The car remained in the museum’s collection for approximately 43 years before being purchased by us in 2023.  We invested a year and thousands of dollars in its recommissioning throughout 2024. Finished in yellow and brown, the car is powered by a 384.8ci L-head inline-eight that features a nine-main-bearing crankshaft and is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Additional features include a single updraft carburetor, an exhaust cut-out, mechanically actuated four-wheel drum brakes, 20” wire wheels, dual side-mount spares, a beige convertible top, brown leather interior upholstery, a rumble seat, and a fold-down rear luggage rack hosting a trunk.

The Fourth-Series Packard range was introduced in July 1927 and comprised the Standard and Custom eight models on the 143”-wheelbase 443 platform. The Custom Eight lineup offered a choice of nine open and closed body styles including this example’s two-door, two/four-seat Runabout.

The body was refinished in its current combination of yellow with brown accents during the refurbishment performed in the early 1980s, and a paint correction was performed in 2024. Features include C.M. Hall headlights, dual swiveling Pilot Ray driving lights, a bright radiator shell with a chrome radiator stone guard, a Goddess of Speed radiator mascot, a Boyce MotoMeter, quadruple vents on each side of a centrally hinged hood, cowl lamps, a driver-side spot lamp, a tilt-out windshield with wind wings, a fold-down rear luggage rack, and a beige convertible top.

The six wire wheels, including dual side-mount spares, were powder-coated in brown during the 2024 freshening, at which time 7.00-20 Firestone tires were mounted along with replacement tubes and flaps. Stopping is handled via mechanically actuated internally expanding drum brakes at each wheel, with emergency brakes available to act independently on the rear wheels. The wheel bearings were replaced in 2024.

The cabin is trimmed in brown leather over the single bench seat with matching upholstery covering the door panels and rumble seat. Features include color-keyed flooring, door pockets, a cigar lighter, and a color-keyed shift knob. Lockable doors on each side of the body allow access to a golf club storage compartment.

The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a drum-style speedometer, an oval clock, and gauges monitoring fuel level, oil pressure, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 94k miles. True mileage is unknown, but the speedometer cable will need to be replaced and the speedometer rebuilt.

The 384.8ci inline-eight incorporates a single block casting with a detachable cylinder head, side valves, an alloy crankcase, a nine-main-bearing crankshaft, and a single updraft carburetor. Output was factory rated at 105 horsepower. The 2024 refresh included rebuilds of the starter and generator, rewiring of the car with cloth-covered cables, an oil change, a tune-up, and replacement of one of the coils, the battery, and the battery cables.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, and service in 2024 included rebuilds of the clutch discs and pressure plate and replacement of the throwout bearing as well as fluid changes for the gearbox and differential. Suspension incorporates solid axles, semi-elliptical leaf springs, and hydraulic lever-arm shock absorbers at each end, while steering is via worm and sector. The Bijur central lubrication system was repaired and adjusted in 2024. The car is equipped with an exhaust cut-out that is operated via a switch on the floorboards.

The frame is stamped with number 228083, which is listed as the car’s identification number on the title.

For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Packard is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom.  We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.