.
1929 Packard 645 Dietrich Dual cowl phaeton. The top of the line, the most desirable body style on the most desirable chassis, in original and extremely well preserved condition. It has the longest wheelbase available at 145 inches, the biggest engine available, Packard’s legendary 385 cubic inch Super 8 Straight eight, wire wheels, Dual Sidemounts, and great accessories like Goddess of Speed hood ornament, sidemount mirrors, and trunk with fitted luggage !
.
This car was sold new in June, 1929 at Packard Bridgeport Motors. By 1942, It had gone to Bill Falwell, who then sold it to Hyde Ballard, who was president of the Antique Automobile Club twice, in 1942 and 1966. It’s very significant that an early AACA chief not only owned the car, but had the foresight to keep it in excellent, un-restored condition. It has only had 7 owners since new. And we see it here now, well preserved and out and running nicely on a club tour!
.
Here it is again on tour. It’s the ideal preservation car – one that can actually be driven and enjoyed !
.
And here it is at the Preservation Class at Pebble Beach ! Note the original sidecurtains and fitted luggage in the trunk!
.
A big honor to be invited to Pebble Beach, and here it is on the lawn!
.
Waiting for transport, parked right next to the Packard V-12 Prototype sedan. This car is welcome in rarified air for certain !
.
Here’s the view over the hood while in motion. you can see the originality of the paint, as well as the fact that the paint shows age or patina. Can’t be re-created!
.
Look at the irreplaceable originality of the seats and dashboard!
.
This shows the brilliance of the factory 3 tone color scheme! Subtle yet beautiful.
.
Original doorpanels! Note how tight the beading is, and how straight. High quality throughout.
.
The actual original rear seats!
.
Original tool roll!
.
Jack and Weed tire chains!
.
amazing. Original.
.
To have survived this well for the last 85 years is amazing!
.
Nice Runningboards and step plates.
.
here’s the 384 Cubic inch super 8 engine. Runs great! Recent servicing includes a head gasket and water jacket plate.
.
Here’s the intake / exhaust side. Original patina. Note the clean head gasket parting line.
.
There’s the Dietrich tag.
.
Impossible to make it this long without a little wear and tear!
.
Tasteful painted wire wheels
.
Nice trunk rack with proper woodgrained bars and special chrome fasteners.
.
Take note of the original seats, and the folding dual cowl windshield mechanism.
.
Here are the sidecurtains and rods
.
Sidemount Mirrors and spotlight.
.
Here it is emerging from it’s former home.
.
The Goddess of Speed Hood ornament
.
Another view of the seat showing the rear armrest down.
.
We close with a final view at Pebble !