1929 Packard Model 640 Custom Eight Roadster

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

*Offered from the Estate of Robert L. Byers
*Sporting and desirable sixth series Packard Custom Eight Roadster
*Former AACA National First Prize Award Winner
*CCCA Full Classic®

THE SIXTH SERIES PACKARD

1929 was the best year Packard had ever had. It also was the best year Packard ever would have. 1929 brought substantial change to Packard's product line, notably the end of Packard's experiment with six-cylinder power which had been added in 1921 to complement the Packard Twin Six. The Twin Six had itself been supplanted by inline eight-cylinder power in 1924 and Packard – and its customers – were so satisfied with the smooth, luxurious power of the eight that a new Standard Eight line replaced the Six in 1929.

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 The timing is important, because Packard's 1929 models were superseded by 1930 models in September.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.

For the year (Packard used a fiscal year ending August 31) Packards sales were $107 million. Profits were $25.9 million. The company paid common stock dividends totaling $17.2 million.

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 MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Byers Collection's 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Roadster is very attractively liveried in a cream body color with black fenders and a Brewster Green accent on the doors' décor panels that matches the Brewster Green wire wheels. In addition to the windshield post mounted spotlight that was standard on the sporty roadster, it has a pair of the optional side mounted spare wheels, wide whitewall tires, Trippe Speedlight driving lights, radiator stoneguard, rumble seat and rear-mounted luggage rack. The interior and rumble seat are upholstered in matching green leather; the top is tan cloth. The Packard was restored some time ago and is in good condition for its age. The paint, interior, glass and top are in good, sound, presentable condition. An Antique Automobile Club of America National First Prize Winner badge is affixed to the grille, along with Classic Car Club of America badge. The Packard joined the prominent collection of the late Robert L Byers a little over a decade ago. Classic Packards are designed and built without compromise to be one thing and one thing only: a fine, distinctive automobile that will meet the highest and most demanding expectations. This sporting 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Roadster is a fitting example of the Packard 6th Series, the pinnacle of achievement at Packard.