1929 Packard 626 Custom Speedster. SPECTACULAR! See It Run!

Description for Packard 626 Custom Boat Tail Speedster 1929

1929 Packard 626 Custom Speedster Listed on behalf of the owner. Located near PORTLAND, OREGON. In 1928, Colonel Jesse Vincent, the Chief Engineer of the Packard Motor Car Company, created a custom boat tail Speedster. This was his personal "hot rod" and test vehicle for engineering improvements to be made on future Packards. The Speedster offered here is a spectacular tribute based on the Vincent design. Starting with an original 1929 Packard 626 chassis, drivetrain, cowl, hood, radiator and engine, every nut, bolt and screw was removed and rebuilt or replaced. The original 320 cubic inch, 9 main bearing Packard straight 8 engine was fully rebuilt. Custom intake manifold with dual Stromberg 97 carburetors and custom air cleaner were fabricated, along with a custom exhaust header and stainless steel exhaust system. All other engine components (oil pump, water pump, starter, generator, distributor, etc.) were rebuilt to factory specifications. The original radiator was re-cored for improved circulation and cooling. Transmission was rebuilt with a modern Mitchell overdrive added. Restored/re-tinned gas tank. The original shock absorbers were rebuilt, as was the mechanical brake system. New matching 7.00x20 Firestone blackwall tires were fitted to the refurbished, striped disc wheels with freshly-chromed retaining rings and new chrome hub liners. Custom-fitted gaitors were installed on the rear leaf springs, as new. Custom Packard "ox yoke" design bumper plates. Mechanically, nothing was left untouched. In 2014, the speedster body and floor pan were custom fabricated by Alyn Swedberg of Swedberg Custom Metal Works in Washington state. Alyn is one of the finest custom body builders in the country. Using traditional coachbuilding techniques, the body was all hand-formed from steel, just as Packard would have done. Hundreds of hours were consumed with the design and fabrication, which includes an operable trunk in the boat tail, custom windshields and windshield stanchions, custom dashboard utilizing the original gauges, and a unique step system to enter the cockpit. The flawless body was then finished in deep, gloss black single-stage Glasurit paint, with subtle red pin striping added. The paint work alone cost in excess of $25,000.00. A custom pleated red leather interior was created, with seat belts. Black cockpit carpeting and carpeting in the rear storage trunk area. The results, as seen in the photos and video are stunning. Since completion this Speedster has been displayed at several prominent concours shows in the Northwest where it always draws a large crowd. When shown, it has always been transported in an enclosed trailer and stored in a climate-controlled showroom. It has been driven limited test miles since restoration and has proven to be a wonderful road car. It accellerates quickly, shifts smoothly (along with the Mitchell overdrive) and tracks straight down the road. Brakes stop the car smooth and quick. Estimated top speed is in the 100 mph range. Overall, this is an amazing automobile that is all-Packard. It is hard to over-emphasize the quality of this car. It would be welcome at AACA and Packard Club shows and tours and would be the perfect candidate for vintage track racing events, or the Hemmings "Great Race" road rally. No matter where you go, you'll be assured of admiring looks, "thumbs-ups" and the guarantee that it is the only one of its kind. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car, WELL BELOW the cost of fabrication. It could not be re-created for the reserve asking price. Please bid accordingly. WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORLDWIDE. Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK! If the video link below is inactive, please go to: https://youtu.be/3b5Irh_sMWw