1928 Packard 526 Six Four-Door Sedan Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Charles Griffin’s lifelong love affair with American cars began at sixteen when he restored a dusty blue Studebaker. The passion he had for that car followed him through the rest of his life. Over the years, the scale of his garage and projects grew in step with his love for cars. Ultimately, Charles built his own restoration paradise, complete with a paint room, body shop, show room and features that most gearheads only dream about. His sanctuary became a second home to his family and friends. The selection of fine automobiles offered here represents the passion, drive, and memories that Charles shared. Hagerty Marketplace is honored to present the Griffin Collection, offered entirely without reserve.  

* * *  

The 1928 Packard Six 526 was part of Packard’s Fifth Series, a line that marked a pivotal moment in the brand’s evolution. Introduced in July 1927, the 526 featured a 126-inch wheelbase and was powered by a refined 288.6 cu-in inline six-cylinder L-head engine producing 82 horsepower. This engine included seven main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and a Packard updraft carburetor, contributing to its smooth and reliable performance. The 526 model was designed to offer Packard’s renowned luxury and engineering at a more accessible price point, ranging from $2,300 to $2,400 depending on body style. 

The 526 was available in multiple configurations, including sedans, coupes, phaetons, and runabouts, with seating capacities ranging from four to five passengers. It featured rear-wheel drive, a three-speed manual transmission, and wire wheels, emphasizing both style and performance. The car’s weight varied by model, averaging around 3,900 pounds. 

Packard’s strategic pricing and engineering refinements — such as improved carburetion, hypoid differentials, and enhanced braking systems — helped the 526 outperform competitors like Cadillac and LaSalle in sales. In total, 28,336 units of the 526 were produced in 1928, contributing significantly to Packard’s overall production of 49,550 vehicles that year. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Griffin Collection 

• Five-passenger sedan body 

• CCCA Full Classic 

• 288.6 cu-in inline six-cylinder L-head engine rated at 82 hp  

• Three-speed manual transmission 

• The engine number (U133897A) decodes as: 

  • Year: 1928 

  • Model: 526 Six 

  • Body Name: Sedan 

  • Passengers: 5 

Features 

• Hypoid differential 

• Two-plate clutch 

• Mechanical brakes on all four wheels 

• Dash-controlled lubrication system that greased 32 chassis points 

Known Imperfections 

• Please note that all of the lots in The Griffin Collection have been stored in a climate-controlled facility for four years without operation. The Hagerty Marketplace Team cannot confirm if this vehicle starts and runs due to its unique mechanics. As a result of their extended static display, all lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

• This 1928 Packard Six 526 Sedan is presented as a restoration project. 

Ownership History 

This 1928 Packard Six 526 Sedan is offered from The Griffin Collection of no reserve automobiles.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Cason Vogel    Phone: 904.504.7848    email: cvogel@hagerty.com