1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Roadster
- Engine
- 384.8 cu in inline-eight, nine main bearings, 106 hp, three-speed manual
- Colour
- Cream with black fenders and green trim panels
A 1929 Packard 640 Custom Eight Roadster, delivered new to Philadelphia in March 1929, powered by the marque's 384.8-cubic-inch nine-bearing inline eight producing 106 horsepower. Restored in cream with black fenders and green accents, the car carries period accessories including Trippe Speedlights and dual sidemounts. It earned an AACA National First Prize in 1994 and spent roughly two decades in the Pennsylvania collection of Robert L. Byers. Recognised by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$150,000 – US$190,000
- 1929-03-05 →Factory deliveryPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania first ownerpartial documentation
Original delivery recipient based in Philadelphia; no further detail on this custodian is provided.
- → 2020Acquisition unknownRobert L. Byerspartial documentation
Pennsylvania-based collector who held the car until his death in 2020; the restoration in cream with black fenders was already completed before or during his ownership.
- 2024 →Acquisition unknownCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the vehicle in 2024; the prior restoration remains intact though showing moderate wear consistent with age.
Competition
- 1994-09-01Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAACA National Meet, New BernFirst Junior (National First Prize)
Recognized at an AACA national-level event held in New Bern, North Carolina; award badge is still affixed to the radiator stone guard.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Full restoration carried out in cream bodywork with black fenders; interior retrimmed in green leather; period-correct accessories fitted including dual sidemounts, spotlight, cowl lights, Trippe Speedlights, stone guard, and luggage rack.
Timing of the restoration is not specified in the catalogue, though the car's condition at the 1994 AACA event implies it was completed by or before that date.
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