1928 Packard Custom Eight Model 4-43 Convertible Sedan

The Packard Eight was a luxury automobile produced by Packard between 1924 and 1936, and was an all new platform that took the top market position from the earlier Packard Twin Six which was first introduced in 1916. When it was introduced, it was designated as the Senior Packard until the company ended in the late 1950s.

Introduced mid-summer 1927, the Fourth Series Packard Custom Eight was built on a 143-inch wheelbase chassis — hence the 4-43 series designation. The 4-43 was powered by Packard’s magnificent 385cid (6.3-liter) L-head straight eight. Introduced in mid-1923, the big 109bhp, nine-main-bearing engine had been substantially upgraded in 1926. Standard chassis equipment included mechanical four-wheel brakes and a Bijur chassis lubrication system.

The marvelous interior not only looks fabulous, but when viewed in person, the colors, materials and quality can be truly appreciated. As a convertible sedan, this Packard features a fully opening soft top, with the all-weather comfort afforded by roll up windows that seal tight against the top frame. The dash is equipped with original instruments and is finished to original specification with a beautiful wood grain finish. A stylish finish touch is the marbleized shift knob topping the gear lever.

The model designations were not the only Packard nomenclature that was a bit perplexing, as the Packard Custom series was not custom at all. It was not even a limited series but came directly from the production line. The “Deluxe” model simply indicated a side-mounted spare. In addition, Packard produced a custom catalog that presented 20 designs on the 4-43 chassis that could be ordered from five coachbuilding firms. The catalog also illustrated the nameplates of three additional firms, including Walter M. Murphy of Pasadena, CA.