Highlights

Comprehensive two-year restoration by an experienced New Zealand team
Dutch registration, facilitating easier import within Europe
Described as being in near-concours condition
One of the finest big straight-eight Packards owned by the seller

The Appeal

Introduced in 1924, the Packard Eight was right at the top of the market when it released, and stayed there ably for some twelve years. Boasting the new straight-eight powerplant - which was so successful that it quickly became the company's new much-beloved standard - these eight-cylinder, elegant cars were produced at less than 10 units per day, and were much-prized by the truly well-to-do. This was very much Detroit's thoroughbred.

Timing was everything in the '20s. The economy was hitting a peak every single year with no signs of end - and when the market crashed, Packard were already one of the bestselling luxury brands in America. It's fairly clear, looking back, that it was these cars that steeled the company for its roughest period.

Exceptionally handsome, potent performance and sumptuous cabins really ruled the day here - and, nearly a century later, this particular example is an utterly superb ambassador for what made the Eight truly the cream of the crop. Beautifully picked out in a yellow livery, everything has been exceptionally turned out into a car that's practically Concours.

Originally based in Canada, restored in New Zealand, and now registered in the Netherlands, this could well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Are you going to let it pass you by?

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1929
First delivered in January 1930
VIN number 178955
Originally based in Canada
Comes with Dutch registration
Restored over two years by an experienced New Zealand team
Brought to Europe post-restoration and registered in the Netherlands
Currently indicates 17,966 miles on a five-figure odometer
We've not been informed of any paperwork provided with the vehicle

The Condition

Beautifully presented 'Flying Goddess' hood ornament
Impressive yellow livery with contrast details
Bodywork and paintwork are in near-Concours condition
Fully rechromed to a very high standard
Brand new beige soft top in excellent order

The aesthetics of a long-nosed tourer, with sweeping arches, a glittering grille and a fold-up roof - that's pure magic in the classic car world, and this example is no exception. Sumptuously restored, with no expense spared, this car has been beautifully turned out into a near-Concours standard.

Little-driven since the restoration was completed, even the whitewalls are shining. We can discern very little sign of wear, the paintwork is gleaming, the bodywork is solid and the roof is free of any nicks and tears. Packard's signature patterned grille is a particular standout amongst the company's period contemporaries, and this one is gleaming. We also note the spare-mounted mirror, the vintage Canadian Classic Car Club badge and the open-up side vents - what a looker!

A long wheelbase, a trunk to the rear, and an eyecatching coachline. It's a beautiful late-twenties aesthetic from top to tyres, and is well worth your attention.

Beautifully restored
Soft, black leather upholstery with plump bolsters
Dashboard is in very good order with all instruments clear and legible
Excellent soft top with wooden framework

The cabin of the Packard Eight was, for its time, a very richly trimmed place to be. Sumptuous leather upholstery, packed with thick, plush bolsters and fronted by a smooth, minimalist dashboard - it was a beautiful aesthetic, and a superb place to be even today.

Note the inset gauges, wrapped in the colour-matched metal dash that lacks interruption or clutter. The soft top is held upright by a handsome wooden frame, and the seats are beautifully kept with only gentle signs of use on their re-packed bolsters.

It's a stunning period piece, and beautifully finished - we're told that everything is working exactly as it should.

The Mechanics

384.8cu in. (6.3-Litre) L-head eight-cylinder engine
three-speed manual transmission
Beautifully presented engine bay
Restored to ensure mechanical reliability and performance
The vendor states that it can be driven easily in modern traffic

With its long, green cover, uncluttered and crowned by a single Packard carb, the Packard Eight is every bit as glamorous as the car it powers. These engines were much-prized by the motoring public, and are still impressively smooth and quiet today.

This example has been fully rebuilt, repainted and polished up like a pin - resulting in a simply remarkable looking engine bay that's running as well as ever it has. The New Zealand specialists that overhauled it have clearly done a bang-up job!

It's rare we see any engine bay in such fine order, let alone a near-century-old example. Everything is in good working order, it flicks into life effortlessly, and we're informed it's a simply superb operator. That's quite the opportunity for any enthusiast - and not one you want to miss.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.