Raymond Dietrich’s dual-cowl sport phaeton was among the most striking designs offered on Packard’s longest Sixth Series chassis, the 145-inch-wheelbase 645 Deluxe Eight. Deluxe it was; Dietrich’s talented pen resulted in a car of exquisite lines, with a low beltline and a top that folded nearly flush with the doors, resulting in a strikingly sporting appearance. Authentic examples of the style appear in many significant private collections, and the design is truly one of the most beautiful dual-cowl phaetons ever drawn.

The sport phaeton offered here is believed to have been originally sold by the famous Hollywood dealership of Douglas M. Longyear on 16 April 1929, and it has remained continuously on the West Coast ever since. Following World War II, it was reportedly acquired by early Southern California CCCA member Sheldon Greenland, who is said to have used it for many years before taking it apart for restoration.

In the late 1970s, still unrestored, the Packard was purchased by the late, respected restorer and longtime Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance judge Tom Sparks for his personal enjoyment. A three-year restoration, to his usual painstaking standards, followed, complete with a beautiful red leather interior and canvas top installed by the great Tony Nancy. Mr. Sparks later recounted that the car remained in excellent condition, with no rust or significant damage, and was missing only the correct carburetor, which he subsequently sourced. Unusually, the car’s chassis and engine numbers match verbatim, but the stampings are believed to be original and this merely a coincidence; the firewall plate is a reproduction. Mr. Sparks enjoyed showing the Packard, which was a class award winner at Pebble Beach in 1984.

It was sold shortly thereafter and was part of the well-known private collections of Chip Conner and Ray Scherr before joining the Muckel Collection. One of the collection’s longest-term residents, it still wears its nicely mellowed Sparks restoration, with his high-quality craftsmanship and presentation clearly evident throughout. It is an ideal choice for continued enjoyment in many more CCCA events, a wonderful Deluxe Eight that has benefitted from long-term ownership by great enthusiasts.