Packard Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton by Dietrich 1929 - World Of Classic Cars -

Packard Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton by Dietrich 1929

The sumptuous Dietrich-bodied Packard Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton presented here, vehicle number 169959, boasts engine, frame, and steering gear numbers that are relatively close together, indicating that they are the original units to this car. Similarly, the chassis shows no evidence of modification, indicating that this is an original 645 Deluxe Eight rather than the slightly shorter and more numerous 640, many of which have been “lengthened” into the more desirable model over the years.
Known ownership of the car includes Ken Breathauer, who restored it to beautiful original condition in the late 1980s and displayed it in the Primary Division at the CCCA Washington Grand Classic in 1987, winning its Primary First. Subsequently, the car was sold via Tom Crook to well-known and respected Packard collector Edgar Masters, who continued to show it extensively. After spending time in a prominent Midwestern collection, it was acquired by Richard and Linda Kughn, who spent time cosmetically detailing the restoration and sorting it mechanically. Afterward, the car was returned to CCCA judging, scoring an impressive 98.25 points in the Senior division in 2010 and a perfect 100 points in 2011, both at Michigan Grand Classics, and achieving Senior Premier status—not bad for a restoration by then over two decades old!

Packard Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton by Dietrich 1929

That is a testament to the quality of the work performed on this Packard, which today shows only slight age and wear throughout and still presents beautifully enough that Mr. Kughn displayed it to much acclaim at the CCCA Annual Meeting in Novi, Michigan, just this January! The body shows attractively in its spectacular two-tone red color scheme, a favorite on this style, with a lush and well-kept leather interior. Informed buyers will note the correct wooden accents and courtesy lights in the rear compartment, as well as correct tonneau hardware and other trim.

Packard Deluxe Eight Sport Phaeton by Dietrich 1929

Numerous correct accessories are present as well, including wind wings, a radiator stone guard, Pilot Ray driving lights, covered dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, and Packard’s “Daphne at the well” radiator mascot (a.k.a. “the sliding boy”).
This is among the most desirable of open Packards of the Classic Era and arguably among the company’s most iconic designs. Understandably, survivors are prized by their owners and prove difficult to acquire.