1928 Packard 526 Rumble Seat Coupe

Description

Produced for one year only, the 1928 Packard 526 rode on a 126-inch wheelbase and 20" wheels, proportions typically found only on luxury vehicles at that time. Available only with Packard's 288ci inline-six cylinder engine, the 526 was rated at approximately 81 horsepower when new. Though it may seem small today, this was over double what Ford's new Model A horsepower rating was, marking a clear difference between a mainstream car and a luxury car, and further illustrating Packard's push toward making the luxury car market accessible.

This 1928 Packard 526 Rumble Seat Coupe has been refinished in gray with black running boards and fenders over a reupholstered red interior. Other exterior features include a rumble seat with step, running boards, and a MotoMeter radiator temperature gauge. The car is powered by a 288ci inline six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Inside, the car features a front bench seat, speedometer and odometer, wooden steering wheel, and woodgrain trim.

Since acquiring the car in 2015, the seller reports that the vehicle underwent a body-on restoration, and they have replaced the car's clutch and repaired its wiring, among more work described below.

This 1928 Packard 526 Rumble Seat Coupe is now offered with a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 288ci inline six-cylinder engine

• Three-speed manual floor-shifted transmission

• Four-wheel mechanical brakes

• 20" steel disc wheels including spare

Factory Equipment

• Polished radiator shell and brightwork

• Running boards

• Rumble seat with step

• Tail lamp

• Rear-mounted full-size spare tire

• Speedometer with odometer

• Fuel gauge

• Electric starter and lighting system

• Swing-out windshield

• Cowl vent

• Roll down rear window with sunshade

• Golf club door

• CASCO retractable cigarette lighter

• Bijur chassis oiling system

Modifications

• MotoMeter temperature gauge

• Battery cut-off switch

Known Imperfections

• The odometer and fuel gauge are inoperable

Servicing & Documentation

The seller states that under current ownership, the vehicle underwent a body-on restoration and the following have been replaced or overhauled:

• Exterior finish

• Roof deck

• Undercarriage finish

• Fender and running board hardware

• Fuel vacuum tank

• Engine compartment hard lines

• Exhaust system

• Clutch

• Wiring and fuse block

• Leather leaf spring gaiters

Ownership History

The seller acquired this vehicle in 2015.

Additional Information

The seller states, "Vehicle was purchased as a result of an estate sale in Ohio. Car was found to be a rust free, unmolested example. The original factory leaf spring gaiters and asbestos wrap on the exhaust downpipe were still in place. Original chrome was in excellent condition, however the body paint was beyond saving and the decision was made to do a body on frame restoration." "Drivetrain was removed and undercarriage was sanded and painted in chassis black. Body and fenders were stripped to bare metal and refinished. There is no body filler anywhere on the car. Fender and running board fasteners were replaced with modern hardware (i.e. grade stamps on bolt heads) with the original fasteners retained. The roof deck was replaced with new underwire support, cotton batting and the correct Long Grain Cobra fabric." "Car was completely rewired using a kit supplied by Rhode Island Wiring. Chassis wiring is run in polished stainless conduit as per factory installation. A fuse block for the various circuits was added on the firewall beneath the dashboard in lieu of the original single circuit breaker and a battery cut off switch installed. Fuel vacuum tank was rebuilt and copper lines in engine compartment were replaced with NiCopp."