This gorgeous 1928 Packard 526 was owned locally by a gentleman who had dreamed of owning a 526. He had purchased the car in 2017 in Draper, Utah in pretty much the same condition as it is being offered currently. According to the seller at that time, it had been comprehensively restored in the late 1990’s with refreshing as needed done during his care.

The interior is furnished with Wool Broadcloth Upholstery along with a full array of period correct accessories. There are Bud Vases, Blanket Bars, Cigar Lighter and lights. At the time of the 2017 sale, all of the gauges except the fuel gauge were working, but at this time, the only gauge I have seen work is the oil pressure gauge. The speedometer and odometer have not moved in the 6 miles it has been driven recently by me.

The exterior is painted in Lacquer in period correct colors and featured numerous accessories. Correct drum-style Pilot Ray Driving Lights that turn with the wheels, chrome Radiator Stone Guard, Chrome Trumpet Horns, Packard Running Board Step-Plates with Turn Signal and mirrors. Perhaps the most striking item is the 1928 Goddess of Speed Hood Ornament.

The engine of this car is detailed correctly in Packard green engine paint with a high-quality black finish on the accessories and fittings. Done with both show and touring in mind, the engine remains in superb cosmetic condition, showing moderate signs of use since the restoration. Similarly, the chassis and suspension components present in excellent condition, belying the age of the restoration.

Driving the car is similar to period cars, including the Model A Ford. Starting controls include Spark Retard, Choke and a Horn mounted Throttle lever. The key is turned on, the Spark Retarded, Choke pulled and the starter button on the floor pushed. The engine starts promptly and settles down to an idle that has to be heard to be believed, very sedately. Driving is unique, but not a surprise. Steering is heavy and acceleration on this side of relaxed. The 3-Speed Transmission is shifting using Double Clutching between gears, up and down. The brakes are surprisingly effective. All of these mannerisms are part of the character of the car and the period, it is why people fall in love with owning pre-war classics. For me, it was love at first drive.

The car is considered a full CCCA Classic and is eligible for all of those inclusive events. The only cosmetic defects I found on the car are on the right front fender, two small scratches. It has won awards in the past at different events and will be the delight of any gathering of mechanically inclined gear heads.

Included are the original owner’s manual, a service and the repair manual. For further information about the model, this was found on Hyman LTD’s website and was so complete, I have included it in the description of the 526 Model we are offering.

“On July 1, 1927, Packard introduced its new-for-1928 line. It would prove to be a time of transition for Packard, who found themselves competing against their traditional rival Cadillac, but also against GM’s new mid-price companion brand, LaSalle. The excellent six-cylinder model served as Packard’s entry-level model for most of the 1920s, with the eights and twelves reserved for exclusive, high-end models. But General Motors took a hard shot at Packard by offering their entry-level LaSalle with a Cadillac-based 90-degree V8 engine.

With LaSalle taking some of the shine off Packard’s tried-and-true six, they needed a new plan of attack. Fighting fire with fire, as it were, Packard split the 1928 4th Series eight-cylinder line into the Custom Eight and Standard Eight, with the Standard aimed squarely at wrenching back sales from LaSalle. The plan worked quite well, as sales of eights nearly doubled from the previous year. A casualty of the Standard Eight’s success was the Single Six, which entered its final year of production for 1928. Denoted as the Fifth Series, the six-cylinder range was available with a wheelbase of either 126-inches or 133-inches. These were owner-driver cars, built to a standard of quality synonymous with Packard in the 1920s, and offered in a range of stylish body options that suited everyone from families or young sportsmen. Despite the Six being on the chopping block, it provided a solid foundation and led Packard to another record production year. Of the 41,750 Fifth Series cars produced, the venerable 526 accounted for more than two-thirds of sales.

Packard’s 288 cubic-inch inline-six shared the same underlying architecture and high levels of refinement with the big L-head eight. With 80 horsepower output, it propelled the lightweight 526 along handily.

Early six-cylinder Packards such as this enjoy Full Classic status with the Classic Car Club of America and are eligible for their CARavan tours and related events”.

The VIN# is 129004. The selling price is $459,695. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at Automania LLC, 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest