1929 Packard Custom 8 Runabout

Vehicle Overview

Ended on Bring a Trailer Auctions : 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Runabout


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Presented by Mohr Imports Monterey, member of Bring a Trailer's Local Partners Program.

This 1929 Packard Custom Eight is a Model 640 Runabout that was delivered new on August 10, 1929, to Packard Washington in Washington, DC, and is said to have remained in the same family between 1956 and 2021. The car underwent a refurbishment that included a repaint in two-tone blue between 2021 and 2022 before being purchased by the current owner two years ago. Power is provided 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, mechanically actuated four-wheel drum brakes, cream-color painted 20” wire wheels, a rear-mounted spare, a beige convertible top with red piping, matching side curtains, red Naugahyde interior upholstery, and a rumble seat. This Custom Eight Runabout is now offered with a clean California title.

The Sixth-Series Packard models were introduced in August 1928 and were divided into Standard, Custom, or Deluxe Eight ranges that combined to account for four wheelbase options. The Custom Eight featured a 140.5” wheelbase and could be clothed in one of nine body configurations including the style 342 two-door, two-seat Runabout roadster.

This example received a repaint in early 2022 in its current combination of two-tone blue, which is accented by cream and red shoulder-line details. Bodywork during the project included straightening of the fenders and repairs to the lower rear and rumble seat panels. Features include a bright radiator shell with thermostatically controlled grille shutters, Rodtiques LED headlights and front fog lights, quadruple vents on each side of a centrally hinged hood, cowl lamps, a tilt-out windshield with wind wings, a Goddess of Speed radiator mascot, and Rodtiques rear brake lights. A beige convertible top piped in red was fabricated in 2022 along with matching side curtains.

Cream-color wire wheels feature bright hubcaps and lock rings and are wrapped in 6.50-20 Firestone tires, and a Mobil Tire spare is secured to the rear of the car. Stopping is handled via mechanically actuated internally expanding drum brakes at each wheel, with emergency brakes available to act independently on the rear wheels. Service in 2023 included lubrication of the front brake cams and retiming of the right front Perrot shaft.

The cabin was re-trimmed under previous ownership in red Naugahyde over the single bench seat with matching upholstery covering the door panels and rumble seat. Various repairs to the interior trim were performed in 2022. Additional features include black lap belts, door pockets, a marbled shift knob, a textured black floor covering, a cigar lighter, and a St. Christopher medal affixed to the left of the wood dash. The dash also hosts a badge from a 1957 antique automobile event in Connecticut. Lockable doors on each side of the body allow access to a golf club storage compartment.

The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of instrumentation including a drum-style speedometer, an oval clock, and gauges monitoring fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 45k miles, and true mileage is unknown. The clock is said to have been rebuilt under previous ownership, while the speedometer and fuel gauge were rebuilt in 2022. A replacement speedometer cable was fabricated and installed in 2022.

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, the latter of which was rebuilt in 2022. Output was factory rated at 105 horsepower.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. 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 car is equipped with a central lubrication system. Corrosion is visible on various underside components.

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