Perhaps no era in automobile history generated more excitement, on and off the track, than the period between 1928 and 1939. Millions of Ford Model A's and T's populated America's emerging highway system while affluent folks indulged their upscale tastes being chauffeured in automobiles costing 10 or 20 times as much as a lowly Ford: Duesenberg, Peerless, Cadillac, Mercedes, Hispano-Suiza, Isotta-Fraschini, Pierce-Arrow, and Packard come to mind, the latter being the most successful, most admired manufacturer of 'em all.
If you could afford a shiny new Packard in 1929--especially one of the sporting convertible models--you truly had climbed an exalted plateau in life.
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Selling up to 45,000 of their luxurious cars annually during the Roaring Twenties, Packard was the envy of the industry and the darling of the quality conscious. If you paid more for a car than most people would for their house or farm in the day, you certainly could expect greatness. Word got around that Packard delivered the goods; thus, the slogan "Ask the Man who Owns One!" was immortalized.
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The magnificent 1929 Packard 633 Convertible Coupé featured here is an exceptional, heirloom quality collector car. It survived 80 years, WWII, the "throw away anything old" society of the 1950s, termites, wildfires, tornados, and inept mechanics--completely unharmed. It was never involved in an accident, never suffered from any rust damage. When we acquired the car, all original features were still intact, including its original interior and brightwork.
Let's inspect this bona fide survivor now in great detail, inside and out, top to bottom.
Firewall-mounted VIN plate tells us that vehicle #286888 was delivered to its original owner by PACKARD BRIDGEPORT MOTORS, INC. on November 13, 1929.
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Under the long hood, inside a very clean and tidy engine bay, resides Packard's Standard Eight 320 cu.in. power plant, capable of 90hp @ 3,200rpm. Very modern for the time, the single-plate clutch transferred all that power through a 3-speed manual transmission, conventional driveshaft, and hypoid axle to the rear wheels.
Since the engine ran well when we received the car, we just installed a fresh set of spark plugs, a new battery, and re-conditioned the entire fuel system, from the gas tank to the carburetor. The vacuum-assisted fuel delivery works great, and we found out that you just have to pull the emergency brake handle a few times to pressurize the lines--another ingenious feature of this Packard--which is also equipped with a working BIJUR chassis self lubricating system, activated by pulling a handle below the dash. Packard claimed the system did the work of "43 men with 43 oil cans."
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Few machines can boast of more numbers than a hand-built Packard of the early days. This car is guaranteed to be a 100% "matching numbers" vehicle. From the patent dates on block and cylinder head, to transmission, steering gearbox, and rear end, every stamped number corresponds to the car's month of manufacture.
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The extended 133.5 inch wheelbase chassis of the prestigious 633 model was available with seven different bodies, of which the convertible Coupé shown here might be the most desirable, offering all-weather motoring with its roll-up side windows, and enabling additional passengers to ride along in the comfy rumble seat area. The coachwork of this fabulous example persevered for 80 years, remaining in superb condition, displaying excellent fit and finish throughout. The car was painstakingly stripped of all the old, weathered paint, subsequently receiving a bare metal respray.
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Big, beautifully hand-pinstriped, seven-lug, 20 inch disc wheels, including the optional dual sidemounted ones, received a set of 6 brand new FIRESTONE six-ply wide whitewall tires of the dimension 6.50x20.
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Striving for originality, traditional single-stage materials from manufacturer DuPont were used to restore the Packard's exterior. The carefully researched factory color combination--Chicle Drab Olive over Special Sage Brush Green Light, with Mason's Black fenders--looks simply stunning. Just like in the old days, hand-applied Vermilion pinstriping--matching the interior's amber Bakelite accents--provides the finishing touch.
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The folding, tan canvas convertible top with its attractive chrome landau bars features heavy wooden bows and the original glass rear window. A top boot is also included. Although from earlier times, the top is free of rips or tears, all the wood is beautifully preserved, and the rear glass is crystal clear.
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So-called golf club door opens to reveal a large storage compartment--another upscale feature of the Packard.
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The big convertible was sympathetically refurbished as needed. Aside from the bare metal respray, front and rear bumpers as well as the grille shell were re-chromed.
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Another period feature, the top-hinged windshield frame can be adjusted to allow in plenty of fresh air on warm days.
Let's check out Packard's interior now.
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Right away, we note the handsomely refinished door panels. A skilled craftsman of the "old school" used acres of special-order, vat-dyed, Olive Green leather to rejuvenate Packard's cockpit.
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At the beginning of the past Century, the Packard brothers were the first to progress from a tiller to an actual steering wheel. The mighty wheel of this '29 is pristinely preserved, featuring a horn button in the center, light switch on the left, and hand throttle on the right. Also visible above: wiper motor, floor shifter with Bakelite knob, nickel-plated emergency brake lever, and starter button.
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One could picture a Hollywood movie star like Jean Harlow behind the wheel of this most elegantly equipped Packard. Richly woodgrained metal dash contains dual, felt-lined glove boxes. Dash and door cappings were just expertly refinished.
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Amber-colored Bakelite knobs wonderfully accentuate the dashboard, where six gauges help the owner-driver keep tabs on the goings-on. Gauges are original and unrestored; they still look great. Except for the speedo, they all seem to work, too!
Valuable, brass St. Christopherus plaque affixed to right-hand glove box is a neat period touch.
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Made in America, with pride: Packards of the era were finished with great care; only the best materials were used. Replacing the 80 year-old, partially split original leather was one of the hardest decisions made during the recommission of this car. Would it be possible to duplicate the fine factory workmanship?
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We think renowned Mr. Larios did a splendid renovation job, using nothing but aromatic, Olive Green leather and velour floor covering to make the car's interior look as good as its exterior!
Driver's section of the front bench seat is adjustable via a large, knurled knob, barely visible at the bottom of the picture.
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Lockable storage compartment behind front seats also contains rumble seat release.
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Mother-in-law rear seat, still covered by the well-preserved, yet lovingly patinated, original hide. Fun!
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but let's take a look at the car's undercarriage first.
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The hydraulic hoist was straining a bit to elevate the Packard, which is as heavy as a tank!
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Packard looks very clean underneath. Note the oversized brake drums and wrapped rear springs. Quality that's indestructible!
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Left to right:
- Wooden floor boards: free of termite or rot damage
- Engine and transmission from below; no major leaks
- Massive axle "pumpkin" and knee action shock absorbers
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Wednesday, May 13, was another wonderfully sunny day here in this small paradise we fondly call San Buenaventura and we decided to visit one of our favorite spots, the Channel Islands beach.
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Firing up Packard's straight eight is easy: turn on the ignition key, set the hand throttle on the steering wheel, pull out the dash-mounted choke and vacuum advance knobs, and hit the starter button (next to the gas pedal). Voila! The engine starts almost instantly; after a few seconds, you push in the dash knobs and lower the throttle to enjoy an almost whisper-quiet, smooth idle.
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Riding high! The elevated driving position not only makes for excellent visibility, one also somehow feels calmed, above and beyond life's daily turmoil. Piloting a Full Classic like this Packard is a very special privilege only few will be able to enjoy. We say: do it while it's still possible!
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We enjoy the drive, with a big smile on our face. Steering, transmission, brakes, suspension: everything works very well. All the lights work, too. There's no billowing smoke, no overheating--we are in vintage motorist's heaven.
Note the optional trunk rack, alloy step plate, and top boot.
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Fine classic cars such as this Packard convertible are among today's hard assets that will always see their intrinsic value preserved. Cherished antiques, they can be used and shown with great satisfaction without having to worry about a "return on your Dollar." They'll always be valuable to true aficionados worldwide!
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It's quite a feat to survive 80 years in excellent health. This 1929 Packard 633 not only still looks fabulous (just ask the countless admirers we met during our drive), even more, it is ready to tackle the next 80!
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Not tarted-up or restored to a "better-than-new" standard, this rare convertible nevertheless exudes an air of quality and elegance lost on most lesser models.
As the bare metal photos irrefutably prove, this beauty features perhaps the most important trait of any classic car: undamaged, unmolested coachwork. Add its superb interior, flashy accoutrements, and turn-key reliability, and you have a winner!
You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
Take me to Californiaclassix' Home or the Showroom.