The year 1928 was Packard’s last for drum headlamps and cowl lights, a Motometer radiator mascot, and primer cups on the engine. The top-of-the-line 443 on a 143-inch-wheelbase chassis featured an engine on rubber motor mounts with an updraft carburetor and dual-coil Delco Remy ignition system, as well as the first use of ventilator doors rather than louvers on the hood, which visually distinguished the model from lesser sixes. Price-wise, there was no mistaking the 443, which sold for nearly twice the cost of a Six. The 443 Custom Eight could be had with its frame and bodywork in any color of the owner’s choice at no additional cost, making it truly “Custom” indeed for the buyer. Further, side-mounted spares and a trunk rack could be selected without extra charge.

According to its reproduction vehicle number tag on the firewall, this 443 Custom Eight Phaeton was delivered new in Boston on 9 July 1928. Restored in the late 1980s by then owner and noted restorer Jim Lowrey of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, it is finished in deep carmine and black, with cream beltline moldings, a tan interior, and tan cloth top. It is very well-accessorized, including C.M. Hall Depress Beam headlights and sidelights, a matching Pilot Ray light, chrome radiator stone guard, a Packard-badged Goddess of Speed mascot with Motometer, chrome wire wheels, dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, both cowl lights and spotlights, and a luggage rack. The latter carries a Packard-badged Kamlee trunk, complete with Mi-Auto-Lock latches and three pieces of fitted luggage, with one wearing a tag to A.T. Phelps of Lee, Massachusetts, which, given the Packard’s delivery locale, may or may not portend a prior owner to Mr. Lowrey.

In 1991 the car was awarded an Antique Automobile Club of America National Senior First Prize while in the ownership of Mr. Lowrey and was featured on the back cover of the November-December 1991 issue of the AACA’s Antique Automobile. The car has been a longtime part of its most recent, late owner’s collection and was clearly a favorite, appearing on both the sign and custom-made floor rug that greeted visitors to the collection’s venue over the years. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer reflected 164 miles, after some years on exhibit within the collection.

Now, this onetime “cover girl” awaits a new home within another distinguished stable.