Description
This is lot number 553 in the Bonhams Beaulieu Sale on September 14th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Iconic Dietrich coachwork
Formerly part of the Richard and Linda Kughn Collection
Restored in the 1980s and well maintained thereafter
Many-time concours award winner in the USA
Always built to the highest standards, the Packard was unquestionably one of the finest American cars of the pre-war era. Aided by his brother and two defectors from the Winton company, James Ward Packard set up shop in his electrical engineering factory in Warren, Ohio from which the first Packard - the single-cylinder Model A runabout - emerged in November 1899. The Packard's innovative engineering and superior build quality were soon attracting the attention of wealthy clients, William D Rockefeller purchasing two at the New York Automobile Show in November 1900. 'Ask The Man Who Owns One,' was adopted as the company's advertising slogan.
New-for-'24, the Packard Single Eight was the company's first eight-cylinder car and its first to employ four-wheel brakes. With the introduction of custom models in 1926 the Eight range increased dramatically. 'Original Creations by Master Designers' according to Packard, the custom offerings were bodied by Derham, Dietrich, Fleetwood, Holbrook, and Judkins among others.
Bijur chassis lubrication and hypoid final drive gears had arrived on the Eight by 1927, at which time the engine was enlarged to 6. 3 litres. By now maximum power had risen to 105bhp, an output sufficient to propel the far from lightweight Eight to a top speed of 80mph. 1929 saw Packard building eight-cylinder cars only, and marked the introduction chrome-plated brightwork, parabolic headlamps, and a dashboard-mounted water temperature gauge in place of the preceding Motometer. Also new was the base-model 319. 2ci (5. 2-litre) Standard Eight, the larger engine continuing to power the Custom and Deluxe Eights.
Carrying stunning Sport Phaeton coachwork by Dietrich, the Series 645 Deluxe Eight we offer boasts engine, chassis, and steering gear numbers that are relatively close together, almost certainly indicating that these components left the factory in this car. Former owner Ken Breathauer restored the Packard to beautiful condition in the late 1980s. Following the rebuild's completion Ken displayed it in the Primary Division at the CCCA Washington Grand Classic in 1987, winning its Primary First. Subsequently, Tom Crook sold the car to well-known and respected Packard collector Edgar Masters, who continued to show it extensively.
Having spent some time in a prominent collection in the Midwest, the car was acquired by Richard and Linda Kughn, who cosmetically detailed the restoration and sorted out the mechanicals. They returned the Packard to CCCA competition, scoring an impressive 98. 25 points in the Senior division in 2010 and a perfect 100 points in 2011, both at Michigan Grand Classics. Senior Premier status was achieved, testifying to the quality of Ken Breathauer's work of some 20-plus years previously.
Spectacularly finished in two-tone red, the car boasts a sumptuous and well cared-for leather interior, while other notable features include the correct wooden accents and courtesy lights in the rear compartment, together with correct tonneau hardware and other trim. Delightful period-correct accessories include wind wings, a radiator stone guard, Pilot Ray driving lights, covered dual side-mounted spares (with mirrors), and Packard's 'Daphne at the well' radiator mascot. Weather protection comes with it too.
The first UK owner purchased the Packard at a US auction in 2016 for some $313, 500. It was UK registered as 'BF 7820' and was stored and used sparingly as part of his private collection.
The car was sold last year at the Goodwood Revival to the vendor and various service work carried out, including a carburettor float, gasket set, needle and needle valve and ignition distributor conversion from the renown Max Meritt parts supplier in the USA. Sadly, due to lack of use and a collection of other cars it is now for sale again.
Bodied in exuberant style by one of the USA's finest coachbuilders, this Deluxe Eight ranks among the most desirable open Packards of the Vintage era and represents a rare opportunity to own a concours award-winning example that still presents magnificently.
