Packard Custom Eight 640 Town Car. Great History! VIDEO (1929)
for sale
Price: US $12,100.00
Price: US $12,100.00
1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Town Car
Listed on behalf of the owner.
Located near PORTLAND, OREGON.
Serial Number: 172371
Engine Number: 172830
Chassis Number: 172790
This 1929 Packard Model 640 Custom Eight Town Car with body by Packard, was sold April 12, 1929 by Packard Motor Car Company of Washington D.C. We are told it was delivered to the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW in Washington for use by Ambassador Sir Esme Howard and later, Ambassador Sir Ronald Lindsay. The car carries the British coat of arms medallion on both the rear doors and original accessory trunk. Shortly after delivery, in the August 10, 1929 issue of Literary Digest magazine, Packard ran an ad highlighting Ambassadors that featured the 640 Custom Eight Town Car; an obvious nod to this car. Following embassy use, the history of the car is unrecorded until it was acquired by a prominent collector in the midwest in the 1980s. It underwent a full professional restoration in the 1990's to a very high level and shows beautifully today as can be seen in the photos, which were just taken for this listing. Car has had limited use since completion of the restoration and was purchased by the current owner in 1996. Always stored in a climate-controlled showroom.
The body and chassis are straight and rust-free throughout. Beautiful black paint, freshly detailed with a deep shine. The top was refinished in fine grain black leather, including the removable hardtop over the chauffeur's compartment. The upholstery in the driver's compartment is also black leather, and excellent. All of the wood garnish moldings were beautifully remade during restoration in solid walnut wood and are gorgeous. Beautiful detail and finish. The rear compartment is upholstered in fine gray wool and appears like new. Dual vanity cases with mirrors, dual bud vases and assist cords flank both sides of the interior rear quarter panels. Dictaphone microphone is tucked in the rear seat, with speaker in the chauffeur's compartment, not functioning at present. Folding foot rest. Black wool carpet. The division window between the front and rear compartments raises and lowers easily. Beautiful curved glass at each end. Robe cord and clock/notepad case set in the panel above the dual folding jump seats. This Town Car sets on the 140 Custom Eight chassis, so there is plenty of room for up to 5 passengers in the rear compartment. An original Packard/Kamlee trunk rides on the rear trunk rack. Inside are three excellent original fitted suitcases with keys. PLEASE SEE PHOTOS.
Mechanically, the rebuilt 384 cubic inch straight eight engine starts and runs well. Idles and accelerates smoothly. Rated at 105 horsepower at 3200 RPM. The original vacuum fuel system was bypassed during restoration with a modern electric fuel pump for steady fuel pressure (1-1/2 pounds) at all speeds. The vacuum tank is present if reconnection is desired by the new owner. The Bijur chassis lubrication system is present and appears to be working. PLEASE SEE VIDEO OF ENGINE RUNNING.
I have personally driven this car and it drives well. Plenty of power. Smooth at all speeds. 3-speed manual transmission shifts crisply. 4-wheel mechanical brakes stop quickly. I just had the starter and carburetor rebuilt and the North East dual-point distributor tuned. Also just installed a full new exhaust system. Tires are good and it tracks well down the road. Being a Town Car, it was geared from the factory at 4.38:1. It is comfortable on the road around 45-55 mph. I did note that the Trippe driving lights and rear tail light were not previously hooked up, as I believe the plan was to add turn signals to the car in the future. Also, the speedometer and temperature gauge are not functioning at present, however the car runs cool. Headlights and parking lights do function through the original steering wheel switch. All glass is good and appears to have been replaced. No delamination or discoloration. Note that being an open Town Car, there were no side windows provided in the doors of the chauffeur's compartment. A true open-air driving experience.
Dimensions: Overall length (with trunk): 209 (17ft. 5). Width: 72. Height: 73.5. Approximate dry weight: 4, 900 lbs.
This is a beautiful example of a rare Packard factory semi-custom body style with a wonderful history and fine restoration. It would be ideal for a limousine or wedding livery service or for elegant trips around town or to the show field. This was truly the height of Packard luxury at the height of the Roaring 20's.
The only reason for selling is due to the passing of the current owner. The family would like to see it go to an appreciative new home. A realistic reserve has been placed on the car, well below the current cost of restoration. Please bid accordingly.
WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK!
VIEW VIDEO TOUR HERE: here
1929 Packard 640 Town Car For Sale. Charvet Classic Cars. - YouTube
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Payment
We gladly sell to buyers WORLDWIDE. Winning bidder please contact us within 24 hours of auction close. A deposit of $2000 is due via PayPal at that time. Vehicle deposits are non-refundable, per PayPal and policy. Balance due in certified U.S. funds via bank wire transfer within 7 days of auction close. We do not accept overseas bank drafts or cashier's checks. Vehicle has a clear title and is being sold by the owner, with our assistance. Please call David at 503-309-7729 between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time with any questions. Thank you.ShippingShipping is the responsibility of the buyer and not included in the auction price. Vehicle must be picked up within 14 days of payment, unless other arrangements have been made. Note that vehicle will be shipping from the Portland, Oregon area (Northwest coast of the U.S. between Seattle and San Francisco) with easy access to interstate highways (I-5: north-south, and I-84 east). We will gladly assist your carrier with loading.Terms of SalePlease ask all questions before bidding. Your personal inspection is invited before the close of the auction. Only you know if the vehicle is right for you. All descriptions are based upon information provided by the seller and our own personal inspection of the vehicle. Obviously, with any collector vehicle there are internal areas that cannot be inspected, but the description is based upon the seller's representations and our observation of the vehicle. For that reason, the vehicle in this listing is being sold as-is with no warranties of any kind expressed or implied. Mileage listed is that showing on the odometer and unless otherwise noted, cannot be verified due to the age of the vehicle. Mileage of vehicles over 10 years old is considered exempt by the State of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. By participating in this auction, the bidder agrees to these terms.About UsCharvet Classic Cars assists sellers (all of whom are my personal friends) to find new appreciative homes for their special vehicles. I personally inspect each vehicle. I take the photographs and videos personally. It allows me to represent the vehicle accurately and answer any questions you may have about it. I have been an seller with 100% positive feedback since 1998, and involved with classic cars for many years. I like these cars as much as you do! If you e-mail or call with questions, you will receive my personal attention and knowledge to help you make an informed decision. State of Oregon Dealer #DA4114. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Thank you - David Charvet
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update: 2020-02-06
Used |
“Beautiful example of a rare semi-custom body style by Packard” |
Year: | 1929 | VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | 172371 |
Mileage: | 00008 | Engine: | 384 CI Straight 8 |
Options: | Leather Seats | Sub Model: | 640 Town Car. Great History! VIDEO |
Number of Cylinders: | 8 | Model: | Custom Eight |
Transmission: | Manual | Drive Side: | Left-hand drive |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline | Interior Color: | Black/Gray |
For Sale By: | Dealer | Make: | Packard |
Exterior Color: | Black | Drive Type: | RWD |
Trim: | 640 Town Car. Great History! VIDEO | Body Type: | Limousine |
Vehicle Title: | Clean | Warranty: | Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty |