Vehicle No. 177711 Chassis No. 178112 Engine No. 178175C Introduced in August 1928, Packard’s Sixth Series offered an extensive range of body styles across four chassis: the Standard Eight rode 126½- and 133½-inch wheelbases, while the premium Custom and Deluxe Eights used longer 140½- and 145½-inch frames and featured the 384.8‑cubic-inch Straight-Eight engine, with nine main bearings and 105 horsepower. Among the most striking bodies on offer was the Runabout. This two-passenger open model is defined by its close-coupled proportions, low windshield, and often sporting sophisticated multi-tone liveries with bold beltline molding. Rakish and attention-grabbing, it became a favorite of the young and affluent, admired then and now. The 640 Custom Eight Roadster offered here was, according to its firewall vehicle number tag, sold initially on 7 June 1929 by the Parker-Harris Company of Memphis, Tennessee. It was later fully restored to the striking two-tone orange and ivory color palette it wears today, paired with tan leather upholstery and a matching canvas top, all accented with delicate orange pinstriping throughout—colors that would look equally at home drawing attention in Palm Beach or along the Newport shoreline. Its jaunty presentation includes disc wheels, dual side-mounted spares secured by Oakes tire locks with chrome covers and mirrors, cast-aluminum toe boards, and a marbled horn button and gearshift knob. The car is additionally outfitted with the iconic Goddess of Speed mascot, radiator stone guard, Trippe lights, dual spotlights, a Spartan horn and a Packard-badged trunk with a canvas cover. In 1986, the car was shown in AACA competition by then-owner Harry T. Douglas of Connecticut. It earned a National First Prize on 7 June at the Southeastern Division National Spring Meet in Kingsport, Tennessee, followed by its Senior National Award on 21 September at the Eastern Division Special National Fall Meet in Wilmington, New York . Douglas was a passionate admirer of 1929 Packards as he owned and exhibited several examples over the years. Later, the car joined the Gateway Automobile Museum, which acquired it from Pennsylvania collector Herb Lewenthal in the summer of 2003. It remained a treasured exhibit in John Hendricks’ Colorado-based collection for two decades where it was on display with over 100 prominent American cars. Hendricks, famously the founder of the Discovery Channel, created the museum to celebrate the American automotive industry’s impact throughout history. During 2023's Pebble Beach Car Week, the highly regarded museum entrusted Broad Arrow Auctions with its entire collection including this Sixth Series Custom Eight Runabout where it joined the equally prestigious Bill Spurling Collection. Since entering the collection, the car has been freshly tuned both cosmetically and mechanically, including having its porcelain on the exhaust manifold renewed. As noted during the on-site inspection performed by a leading and highly knowledgeable Broad Arrow car specialist, its restoration has been carefully preserved. As a result, this Packard is well positioned to be enjoyed at numerous concours or touring events throughout the country in fantastic style.
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- VIN Code178112
