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 +1.623.404.9042 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.

The post 1928 Packard Custom Eight Model 443 Runabout appeared first on Classic Promenade.

The post 1929 Packard Custom Eight 640 Runabout appeared first on Classic Promenade.

The post 1931 Packard Custom Eight 840 Dual Cowl Phaeton appeared first on Classic Promenade.

The post 1928 Packard Custom Eight 443 Club Sedan appeared first on Classic Promenade.

The post 1930 Packard Custom Eight 745 Roadster appeared first on Classic Promenade.

The post 1928 Packard 443 Runabout, Older Restoration! appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This Packard participated in the 2017 CCCA Arizona CARavan, successfully covering about 1,200 miles over two weekends. This includes summiting the 7,600 ft elevation mountain pass and climbing many hills at freeway speeds. The Packard 443 is considered by most experts as being one of the important high performing classics, along with Duesenburg, Marmon and Rolls Royce. We would comfortably drive this Packard anywhere.

HISTORY OF THIS 443

In late 1969, Lyle and Mary Shelley of Rockford, Illinois bought the 443 from a handyman-plumber from Jamesville, Illinois (VIN 232735). The Jamesville gentleman also owned a Packard Twelve. It was said that the seller enjoyed his libations a little too freely. The Packard’s early life was said to be from Lake Geneva or Geneva, Illinois. When Lyle bought the car it was all original and the engine was disassembled. It had accumulated approximate 21,000 miles.

When the Shelley’s acquired the 443 it was all original. In maroon and black livery, it was accented in blue. The Shelley’s then took the following year to strip the car to bare metal, rebuild the engine and all systems and complete a full restoration. Included in engine rebuild was a new set of poured bearings and the crankshaft was reground. Mary did the full tan leather upholstery and tan canvas convertible top and side curtains while Lyle disassembled the car and engine. The chassis was painted in light blue.

The two-tone blue paint with cream accents and orange coach stripes was applied by an up and coming young man who, shortly after completing the 443 opened up a paint shop nearby. The color combination was copied from a Packard owned by another longtime 443 phaeton owner, Bob Joynt, also from Chicagoland. The Shelley’s were so smitten with the colors that they restored this car in the same stunning color combination.

Shortly after completing the restoration, the Shelley’s set out on a large number of Glidden Tours. They enjoyed touring in the Packard to Ottawa, Indiana and Florida. Never in the 47 years of ownership, had the 443 let them down. In addition, it had never been transported in all those years. During the Daytona Beach tour, Lyle raced the Packard on the sand and around the track. Afterwards, they participated in the Disney parade with the 443. Over the years the Packard has been used in countless weddings and parades, carrying elected officials and other dignitaries. Their son, Mark, had been involved in many of the tours and special events with the Packard.

The Shelley’s also collected other classics, including a 526 runabout and a 1914 Locomotive Model 48 touring. After completing several Glidden Tours with the Packard 443, they slowly became more involved with Model A and T tours. The Packard now has accumulated 43,000 original miles.
Fortunately, the Shelley’s brought out several photo albums of the restoration and the many tours. I made sure to take copies to preserve the early history of the 443. We now have photos from their trip in 1971 with the Packard driving on the Atlantic coast and I have photos of it being displayed at the La Jolla Concours with the Pacific Ocean in the background!

OUR FUN WITH THIS 443
I had a chance to drive the Packard through the countryside of Rockford during my pre-purchase inspection. The 443 drove beautifully, with excellent oil pressure, the charging system working and the operating temperature staying appropriately rock solid. All of the lights, horn and instruments worked well, except the fluid filled gas gauge. The mighty eight cylinder engines power was smooth and the transmission was quiet and crisp.

They kept the car until 2017 and it had accumulated about 41,000 original miles. We have sine put about 2,000 miles on the car, including participating in the La Jolla Concours and Tour, the Arizona Concours Tour, the CCCA CARavan described earlier and many club events.

This example is considered a “full classic” by the Classic Car Club of America; it comes lavishly appointed with dual side mount spares, an elegant folding rear tonneau windshield and more. It comes complete with the luggage, side curtains, and cover for the trunk.

Hailing from a time when engineering, function and style blended perfectly, the Packard 443 Phaeton is widely considered by enthusiasts to be the pinnacle model. This example is the perfect classic to enjoy on a vintage caravan or tour and we are proud to offer it to the most astute collector, investor or enthusiast who appreciates the provenance of this classic pre-war model.

HISTORY OF THE PACKARD CUSTOM EIGHT 443 PHAETON
The Packard 443 model was unveiled on July 1, 1927. These new “Big Eight” models were still considered part of the 4th series of Packard and all rode on an imposing 143” wheelbase chassis. The Packard 443 catalog offered no less than twenty different body arrangements, ensuring that all individual tastes were well suited. While approximately 7,800 443 chassis were built for 1928, the varying bodies meant that individual production numbers were quite low, with open bodied cars being procured by the most affluent of clientele. Body style 311 was the Custom Eight 443 5-passenger Phaeton – a very imposing aesthetic for the Great Depression era. The Custom Eight 443 Phaeton featured dual side mounts spares and numerous accessories including a folding luggage rack with a removable trunk as well as a rear folding tonneau windshield that could be adjusted by the rear passengers. Today, the Packard 443 Phaeton is considered to be one the marque’s greatest models because it achieved a level of engineering, style and luxury that could only come from Packard.

NADA VALUE
$295,200

DISCOUNT
$186,400

BUY IT NOW PRICE
$108,800

For more information, please call Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

The post 1928 Packard Custom Eight, Model 443, appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This is an incredible survivor.  The interior is the original beige wool broadcloth, including the original luxurious moss tread carpet that is impossible to obtain today.  The Packard Blue livery was repainted back in 1969 using the original nitrocellulose lacquer paint.  Paint has been occasionally touch-up as necessary over the years so that it continues to look elegant and stately today.

The Packard comes complete with the overdrive, radio, four heaters and the high speed axle ratio.  The nine main bearing 356 cu in straight eight engine was completely rebuilt and has been well maintained since.  On the long wheelbase models the chassis, brakes and other components are made more robust.

This Packard will comfortably seat seven to eight adults and rides on its 148 inch wheelbase.

History of the Packard–  Dick and Nancy Benjamin bought this Packard on March 9, 1969 from Esther F. Holohan of Covina, Ca.   The motorcar comes complete with California registrations for Mr. Holohan dating back to at least 1957 and then for Dick Benjamin from 1969.

The service history starts with a complete service on September 3, 1956, with the odometer reading 34,888 miles.  The odometer presently reads 78,000 and we know that it has turned over at least once!  It has been fastidiously maintained from new by its loving owners.

The Packard is an incredible survivor.  The paint is in nice condition.  There are a few areas of cracking where the lead was used to join body sections by the Henney Corporation.  The chrome and stainless are in good condition and is original.

The interior is all original and shows the patina one would expect from an original car from 1947. The headliner has some moth damage and the front seat is pretty well worn.

The mechanical condition is very good with a full brake job and servicing in May 2012.  The front passenger window has a crack in it.  It is a simple flat piece of glass that may be readily replaced.

It is rare to find one of the 1,500 seven passenger sedans made.  Even rarer is to find one with such incredible ownership history, documentation and a true California “Black Plate” motorcar.  This is a very special opportunity.  For more details please call Harry Clark at 602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

The post 1947 Packard, Custom Super Clipper, Same Owner 45 Yrs,Survivor! appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This is the most rare body style with less than 20 known to be extant. Imagine ordering a top-of-the-line luxury Packard in a two door version. These are collected only by the connoisseurs of fine motorcars- and ladies and gentlemen that enjoy driving their motorcars.

At the heart of this great Packard is its drivetrain. The fabulous nine main bearing 356 cu in straight-eight engine is a legend in motoring history. Delivering 165 BHP and nearly unlimited torque, it delivers smooth and powerful driving that is completely dependable. Having a 127 inch wheelbase and coupled with a three speed with overdrive transmission it provides smooth and quiet highway speed touring and decent fuel economy.

This motor was made famous by salesmen standing a nickel on its end and having it balance while the motor was idling. Alternatively, they would place a glass of wine on the engine and no waves or ripples would appear in the glass. This was a sign of a remarkably smooth and well balanced engine.

This concours winning Packard has completed three CCCA CARavans in the past four years. The 1,800 mile CARavan through Alaska, 1,300 miles through Montana and 1,100 miles through Arizona. Most recently (2010) it completed the PNW CARavan for 1,500 miles.  Imagine that, a car that you can take through Alaska and elsewhere, and then in June 2009 win a CCCA National Senior First place award.  It consistantly scores about 96-97 points.

This Packard has a nice lineage of CCCA and Packard owners. Gene Perkins from Indiana had this motorcar dating back into the 1970s. He eventually sold it to Martin Cousineau, MD in Beverley Hills, CA. Dr. Cousineau proceeded to improve it with a mechanical restoration and engine detailing performed by the expert Packard engineer Cal Sost at Custom Auto Service in Santa Ana, CA. It was often shown at Packard International and Packard Club events throughout Southern California.

We have just completed rebuilding the transmission, overdrive and rear end, as well as re-bushing the shift mechanisms, etc.

We find it ironic that of the 20 or so 1946-47 Packard Club Sedans in existence that both former owners of this motorcar now have Club Sedans in their collections. Once a collector has one of these gorgeous and exciting motorcars you get incredibly spoiled.

Upon purchasing the Packard about twelve years ago we repainted it and improved the fine motorcar further. The exterior is finished in Packard Blue and the interior is the correct blue with contrasting off-white piping. The interior could benefit from new carpeting, but the existing blue wool carpet is serviceable and presentable.  We have a seat cover on the front seat for touring which looks identical to the wool seat coverings (shown in photos).

The original Packard radio has been converted internally to an AM/FM for touring. This is unnoticeable for concours events. The odometer shows about 68,000 miles which cannot be verified (let’s assume it has 168k miles).

This Packard is ready for a discerning collector who wants the very finest in elegance, style, beauty and engineering. There are less than 20 of these in the world and they are each owned by major collectors who use and enjoy them. Rarely are these motorcars made available.

For further details please call Harry at 602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

The post 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper, Tour or Concours! appeared first on Classic Promenade.

Unlike most 100-point concours motorcars, this Packard drives as-new in every way.  When our consignment client was asked how he would deliver the Club Sedan the 70 miles to our facility he responded immediately, “I’ll drive it of course!  I drive it everywhere and it will be my last drive in the car!”

Everything on this Packard is as-new; this is a 100 point concours car that was thoroughly restored mechanically, electrically and cosmetically to better-than factory condition.  The restoration was conducted with an eye toward perfection, not the pocketbook.  Many years and an investment in excess of $120,000 create this masterpiece.

Most all of the restoration was performed by the Packard specialists at Custom Auto Service in Santa Ana, CA.  Custom Auto Service is considered the leading Packard authority in all things Packard for the Western US.

This is a CCCA Full Classic and arguably the very finest driving motorcar for CARavan’s or classic car touring. Its curvaceous lines are absolutely artful and sexy. This is truly rolling sculpture.

This is the most rare body style with only less than 20 known to be extant. Imagine ordering a top-of-the-line luxury Packard in a two door version. These are collected only by the connoisseurs of fine motorcars- and ladies and gentlemen that enjoy driving their motorcars.

At the heart of this great Packard is its drivetrain. The fabulous nine main bearing 356 cu in straight-eight engine is a legend in motoring history. Delivering 165 BHP and nearly unlimited torque, it delivers smooth and powerful driving that is completely dependable. Having a 127 inch wheelbase and coupled with a three speed with overdrive transmission it provides smooth and quiet highway speed touring and decent fuel economy.  This Fabulous Packard is also equipped with the Electromatic clutch, which very closely simulates an automatic transmission for the day.  Of course, this is fully functioning as well.

This motor was made famous by salesmen standing a nickel on its end and having it balance while the motor was idling. Alternatively, they would place a glass of wine on the engine and no waves or ripples would appear in the glass. This was a sign of a remarkably smooth and well balanced engine.

It is rare indeed for one of the Club Sedans to be offered, let alone the very finest in extant.  If you are a true collector of classics give this serious consideration.

More details will be provided soon.  Until then please call Harry at 602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com.

The post 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper, Spectacular! appeared first on Classic Promenade.