Lot details Registration No: DS 8869 Chassis No: IS9203R Mot Expiry: July 2007
Already proprietors of the Packard Electric Company, the decision reached in 1899 by James Ward and William Doud Packard to build their own motorcars allegedly resulted from an altercation between James and fledgling manufacturer Alexander Winton. Dissatisfied with his 'Winton' car, James suggested a series of improvements to its creator. In reply, Mr Winton somewhat hotly retorted that perhaps Mr Packard would be better off designing his own vehicle (or words to that effect). Soon afterwards, a single-cylinder 'Packard' became a regular sight around the brothers' hometown of Warren, Ohio - its chugging antics resulting in a flurry of orders and the formation of an assembly line. Relocating to Detroit in 1903, the fledgling Packard Motor Car Company swiftly emerged as one of America's leading luxury brands. A process accelerated by its 1915 introduction of a "Twin-Six" V12 range which set new benchmarks for engine refinement and performance. By the end of the 1920s, Packard had become synonymous with the last word in automotive fashion. Outselling rival Cadillac by three to one, its distinctive tombstone grilles graced the drives of many a business tycoon, film star and politician. Yet behind the glitz Packards remained machines of real substance, the marque recording a whole host of US car industry firsts including: the steering wheel, H-pattern gearshift, V12 engine, thermostatic engine cooling, four-wheel brakes, hypoid rear axle, air conditioning, automatic overdrive, and torsion bar-suspension.
Responsible for lifting Packard out of the post-WW1 depression, the 'Six' range was current between 1921 and 1928. Ultimate evolution of the breed, the fifth-series '526' debuted on July 1st 1927. Engineered to the same exacting standards as its larger brethren, it was based around a beautifully wrought ladder-frame chassis equipped with leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a 289ci (4.7 litre) straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the '526' could be had with a range of elegant factory coachwork. Though, with some 81hp @ 3,200rpm on tap from its famously durable L-head powerplant, it boasted a surprising turn of speed. Finished in maroon over black with brown cloth upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, wheels / tyres) or "very good" (chassis, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Said to have undergone a "full restoration" since entering the current ownership sixteen years ago, 'DS 8869' is accompanied by various pictures / invoices chronicling the work and MOT certificate valid until July 2007.
PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.
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