Packard Phaeton, 1928
Packard One-Twenty
Packard One-Twenty•
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Chassis No.: 229233
Auction: Monterey 2019
Auction date: August 17, 2019
Lot No.: S160
$52,250 | Sold
- Exterior: Red
- Interior: Red
- Restoration completed in the late 1960s on a solid car
- 385 CI inline 8-cylinder engine
- Downdraft carburetor
- 3-speed manual transmission
- High-speed differential
- Semi-floating rear axle
- Front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs
- Mechanical drum brakes
- Two-tone Red and Black finish
- Red leather upholstery
- Dual windshields
- Goddess of Speed mascot
- Radiator stone shield
- Boyce Moto-Meter
- Pilot Ray driving lights
- Dual side mounts with accessory mirrors
- Running board step plates
- Rear luggage rack and trunk
- Painted disc wheels
- Wide Whitewall tires
At one point in time, Packard held 40% of the luxury car market sales, an astonishingly high number considering the amount of competition available in those days. This 1928 Packard Phaeton is a bold example of why the company earned such respect and status in the marketplace. Powered by an inline 8-cylinder engine fed by a downdraft carburetor and backed by a 3-speed manual transmission, the car rides on a semi-floating rear axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear. Mechanical drum brakes bring the Phaeton to a halt in reasonable order, an example of sound brake engineering, something that Packard was well known for.
Then again, Packard engineering was well renowned in all regards, largely helping the company earn its spot as No. 1 in the luxury car market. Painted in a two-tone red and black motif with light yellow steel disc wheels, the car features a number of fabulous details such as the ubiquitous Goddess of Speed mascot, radiator stone shield, Boyce Motometer, Pilot Ray driving lights mounted to the front bumper that pivot to follow the wheels when turned, dual side-mount spare tires with accessory mirrors, running-board step plates, a rear luggage rack carrying a tan-colored trunk that matches the convertible top, and much more; the entire visual is stunningly impressive and slightly imposing.
The interior is upholstered with red leather and trimmed with wood-grain appointments. Of course, the Phaeton body was one of the flagship designs of the day, indicating one of the most expensive, coachbuilt cars of the era. Long and grand, the open-top tourer was one of the most desirable luxury cars, and it remains hugely impressive today. A great opportunity to acquire a rare and majestic American classic, this Phaeton exemplifies the Packard ad campaign of being the “Boss of the Road.”
