30 bhp, 431.9 cu. in. T-head four-cylinder engine, rear-mounted three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and two-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 123.5 in.

• Regarded as the 62nd oldest complete Packard known to exist

• Retains its original chassis, engine, and body

• Long, well-known provenance of uninterrupted ownership and care

The very handsome motor car RM Auctions has the pleasure of offering is widely regarded as the 62nd oldest and complete Packard known to exist. This example, being a Model 18, or as it was previously known, a Model 30, represented Packard’s foray into the smaller car market at the time and combined their sensible engineering and elegant designs into a good looking and somewhat more affordable production car. Touted as “city cars,” they were amply powered and available in a multitude of body styles and, as a result, developed quite a following from their introduction.

This particular example, number 9502, has a very long and distinctive provenance of careful and attentive owners, as attested to by its most impressive, overall well-preserved condition. The Packard’s current gentleman owner, a well-known collector out of the Midwest, reports that the car was previously restored in the 1970s. It is evident though that this was a very high quality restoration, as the Packard has held up excellently over the years. Illustrating the car’s highly original quality and origins, there is even a black and white photo, likely pre-war, showing the car stored in a barn, and one can see how complete it was even then.

As the Packard was always enthusiast owned, the car was toured extensively, and within the last six years, it was given a complete mechanical restoration, which maintained or recreated all factory original components, including propriety nuts and bolts. The engine was fully rebuilt with new domed Aries pistons, bronze backed babbits, and new valves, while the jugs were fully cleaned and mated to the decked aluminum crankcase. A new pressurized oiling system was installed, as was a redesigned magneto and ignition system. A 12-volt lighting system, including brake lights, halogen driving lights, and turn signals, are now installed on the Packard, with all components well hidden and mated to the car nicely. The suspension was largely rebuilt, while the wheels were also refreshed and mated to the newly refurbished braking system. Further work included restoring the gas tank, relining the clutch, and the installation of a new muffler. Notably, all this work was accomplished while retaining the patina of the earlier restoration. We understand that the Packard is sold with both reproduction and original manuals.

In addition to all the recent mechanical work, the car received new side curtains, a tonneau cover, and a boot. Amazingly, the Packard even retains its original tool kit, which is mostly complete. Cosmetically, the Packard is described as being highly presentable, with minor wear and paint chipping in the higher stress areas, commensurate with its use. The leather appears supple and in good overall order, as well, and the cream and brown color combination was even a factory option for 1909.

Truly, this is an outstanding original example that has benefitted from expert care and maintenance over the years. It offers the next owner true pride of ownership given its rarity, provenance, and usability, and we encourage close inspection of this excellent running and rare, original bodied Packard touring car.