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2011 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
35

1929 Packard 626 'Standard 8' Rumble Seat Coupe

$65,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 320cu In-Line 8cyl
Gearbox 3 speed Manual
Body Work Rumble Seat Coupe
Colour Cream/Black Fenders
Interior Fawn
Trim Cloth
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

The patrician Packard straight eights 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 Sixth Series, introduced in late 1928 as a 1929 model, featured revised styling with small opening hatches in place of louvres on the bonnet, new tail lights with a third backup light on each side. A new Packard family crest was adopted as the emblem in 1929 and straight-eights were the only engine offered that year. The Standard Eight was built on either 127.5-inch or 134.5-inch wheelbase lengths and was powered by the smoothest of motors, an L-head unit displacing 320-cid, generating 90 hp for effortless performance. Total production of the Sixth Series fell dramatically after the stock market crashed on the 28th of August, 1929 and of only a small percentage have survived the ravages of time. Packard's customers were a loyal bunch and this was reflected in their advertising slogan of the era, namely "Ask the man who owns one."