1929 Packard Roadster

The 1929 Packards were among the most attractive and imposing of the Classic Era, with long hoods, sweeping fenders, and large oval headlights- a one-year-only feature. Design features abounded, from bright molding around the cowl to a drop molding along the belt line that could be accented with a contrasting décor panel.

The Custom Eight’s engine displaced 385 cubic inches and was rated at 105 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. With nine main bearings and a rigid one-piece cylinder block casting, it was still quiet enough to impress even the notoriously finicky road testers.

Packard was known for experimenting in the early 1920s with a straight 12-cylinder engine and the Twin-Six, a V12 engine. In 1924, Packard began offering straight-eight engines instead, as a more affordable option.

Packard consolidated much of its coach building in its own shop, instead of independent builders, retaining control of production volume and product mix. Production in the first quarter of 1929 rose 49.9% over 1928. For Packard’s 1929 fiscal year (ending August 31 ), Packard sales were $107 million. Profits were $25.9 million.

The company paid common stock dividends totaling $17.2 million. Packard managed to clear their 1929 models before the economy crashed on Black Tuesday, October 29 , 1929, beginning the Great Depression. Despite this economic downturn, Packard continued
producing luxury cars until 1958.

On loan to the museum from Ed Horner