Packard Model 640 Custom Eight Five Passenger Touring, 1929
Packard Custom Eight
Packard Custom Eight•
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Chassis No.: 174637
Estimate: US$100,000 - US$150,000 USD
- 385ci Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
- Single Packard Carburetor
- 105bhp at 3,200rpm
- 3-Speed Manual Transmission
- Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs Front and Rear
- 4-Wheel Drum Brakes
- Sporting and desirable sixth series Packard Custom Eight
- Restored by Gene O'Hara in 2017
- Ready for touring or a show field
Key to Packard's success and to that of its competitors – all of whom were doing well in 1929 with production in the first quarter of the year up 49.9% over 1928 – was the economy, which was gliding along on an effervescence of stock market profits. The timing is important, because Packard's 1929 models were superseded by 1930 models in September. The stock market kept breaking records nearly until the bottom fell out on October 29, Black Tuesday, over a month after the market cleared the 1929 Packard models.
The 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eights were among the most attractive and imposing of the Classic Era, with long hoods, sweeping fenders and large oval headlights (a one-year-only feature). Design features abounded, from bright molding around the cowl to a drop molding along the beltline that could be accented with a contrasting color décor panel. The Custom Eight's engine displaced 385 cubic inches and was rated at 105 horsepower at 3,200 rpm.
With seven main bearings and a rigid one-piece cylinder block casting, it was quiet enough that it impressed even the notoriously finicky road testers at The Autocar in England who noted that "... the big car has the power of travelling right up to a high speed without fuss, without suggestion that the engine is doing much work, without harshness, yet with plenty still in reserve."
The Custom Eight was offered in two different wheelbase lengths, the 140 1/2" Custom Eight 640 and the 145 1/2" Deluxe Eight 645. A profusion of body styles was offered by Packard and while the company was intent on consolidating coachwork in its own factory (which during the year added four stories to the building that housed body construction), it still offered an "Individual Custom Line" with sixteen bodies from Dietrich, LeBaron and Rollston.
The 140 1/2" and 145 1/2" wheelbase of the Custom and Deluxe Eight were ideal for the 5- and 7-passenger enclosed bodies which increasing numbers of Packard buyers wanted, just as they easily and attractively accommodated formal sedan and limousine coachwork. It is a measure of the talents of Raymond Dietrich, Archer Knapp, Ray Birge, Werner Gubitz and the other designers, draftsmen, artists and sculptors who contributed to Packard body design that they also achieved harmonious proportions and attractive, balanced designs on their two-door, 2/4-place Roadsters, Convertibles and Coupes.
There is a refreshing elegance – as well as an expression of the conspicuous consumption for which "Roaring Twenties" were known – about placing what is essentially 2-place coachwork, even with occasional accommodations for two more in a rumble seat, on a wheelbase of 140 or 145 inches. Yet the designers and craftsmen at Packard carried it off so successfully that these are today among the very choicest collector cars, prized for their performance, quiet, style, elegance and presence.
THE CAR OFFERED
This example of the peak, pre-depression era Packard is a rare survivor of the model, it being reported that there being a mere three known to exist and this the only fitted with Five Passenger Touring coachwork.
In 2017, the Packard was entrusted to the noted marque specialist Gene O'Hara for restoration, the quality of which workmanship remains ever present today. The striking condition is matched by its tasteful color choices of a rich burgundy hue, over black wings. That combination is echoed by the interior of black leather piped in dark red and to car's artillery wheels. The interior is further enhanced with a beautifully finished wood dashboard. The elegant, tapered, touring bodywork is accented throughout with chrome trim from its iconic hood ornament to wheel trims, bumpers, headlights and scuttle mounted sides.
The car was acquired by Clive and Janet Cussler approximately 6 years ago at a Texas sale and has been treasured by them ever since, being maintained locally here in Arizona.
