Of all the many and varied automotive body types offered in the 1920s, few are more dashing than the phaeton—and of all the chassis to ride upon, equally few surpass the Sixth Series Packard 640 Custom Eight. Well-engineered and solidly built by Packard’s skilled craftsmen, these 140 1/2-inch-wheelbase cars were equipped with the marque’s celebrated nine-main-bearing, 384.8-cubic-inch inline-eight engines producing a respectable 106 horsepower, as well as a three-speed manual transmission. Lacking roll-up glass windows but fitted with a removable second windshield for rear-seat passengers, the 640 Custom Eight Phaeton was a stylish machine equally suited to city driving and longer voyages to one’s country estate.

According to its reproduction cowl tag, this 640 Custom Eight Phaeton was delivered new on Valentine’s Day 1929. It is a very nicely accessorized example; in addition to the second-row windshield, it features the Packard “Adonis” or “Sliding Boy” radiator mascot, grille stone guard, dual spotlights and cowl lights, Trippe Speedlights, dual covered sidemounts topped with mirrors, and a rear luggage rack. This Packard wears a previous restoration in blue with red pinstripes over a black interior, with straw wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires providing contrast. Prior to acquisition by the consignor, a new top, side curtains (with bags for storage), and top blue were fitted.

Packard’s Sixth Series was a sales success—the stock market crash not occurring until the fall of 1929—and an impressive 9,801 Sixth Series 640 Custom Eights of all styles were sold in total. Yet most of these wore practical closed bodywork, making Phaetons a relatively uncommon sight when new and a rare treasure eagerly sought by collectors today. A Classic Car Club of America Full Classic well-suited to touring, this Phaeton represents Jazz Age motoring at its most enjoyable.