">
2009 Melbourne International Motorshow Auction
Lot
46

1926 Packard 326 Tourer

PASSED IN

melbourne

Passed In

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 289-cid
Gearbox 3-speed manual
Body Work Tourer
Colour Maroon/Cream
Interior Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

The patrician Packards are amongst the most coveted of all American classics, with superb engineering, wonderful styling and a build quality of the highest standard - the Packard was in a class of its own. That Packard were able to survive the Great Depression, a time when huge numbers of automobile manufacturers disappeared, and managed to sell relatively large numbers abroad, is further proof of the inherent quality found in these cars. By the mid-Twenties, various advances had been made to the Single-Six and Twin-Six models, including front wheel brakes in 1924 and central chassis lubrication the following year. The 1926 Third Series was Packard's six-cylinder line and was offered on two wheelbase lengths - the Model 326 (126-inches) and the Model 333 (133-inches), with a wide selection of coachwork available. The engine remained an L-head in-line six, with a slightly enlarged capacity for 1926 thanks to a bigger bore of 3.5-inches and was rated at 60 horsepower. The torque arm was replaced with a Hotchkiss drive and the Six shared various mechanical components with the bigger Eight, including four-wheel brakes. Another innovation for 1926 was the wide choice of paint colours, with Packard using a new lacquer formula, and the choice of broadcloth or leather upholstery. The only options available were a single sidemount and cowl lights. Total production of the 1926 Six came to 49,988 units (plus 2,455 for export to Canada and elsewhere), accounting for the vast majority of Packard production that year. Of these, relatively few survive today. Packard's customers were a loyal bunch, something reflected in their advertising slogan of the era, ?Ask the man who owns one?