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I have a 1921 Packard Single Six, serial number U2649, engine number 26576. The numbers indicate that the car is from 1921 and should be a 116 Model. However, the wheelbase is 126", indicating that it is a 126 Model. I am puzzled by this and am looking for the answer from any Packard expert who can help. The car is right hand drive and was new to an Australian buyer, supposedly in 1921. I now have the car in the UK and would appreciate any answers to this puzzle over the wheelbase and Model.
Thanks
Richard

G'day Richard Sturdy,
to PackardInfo.

Although I don't have the answer to your question maybe someone(DavidM?) here will?

However I invite you to include your '21 Single Six in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

Richard,

The engine number 26576 corresponds to a First Series (1922-3) car and the serial number U2649 would also fit that engine number if it had one more digit say U26490. Those two numbers are usually within a few hundred of each. I assume the Serial number is stamped on a plate on the firewall behind the dash. Maybe its not the original plate or it was incorrectly stamped.
What is the body style, the 116 bodies are very different to the 126 cars if you post a photo we might recognise the car and be able to give you more information.
Did you purchase it from Australia recently?

Sorry Guys, but I put the incomplete serial number in my post. It is actually U26499AR and is stamped on a plate attached to the firewall under the dash. I am certain that the firewall and plate are original. The body is an open tourer. I understand that the car was new to Australia and was repatriated to the USA by a Packard collector on the death of the original Australian owner. It was fully rebuilt and restored from top to bottom in the USA and I understand that it was sold by auction when the collection was dispersed. It was bought at the auction for a UK collector, who sold it to me shortly afterwards, as he was getting divorced and needed the money to settle with his former wife. I have tried to attach a picture, but not sure I have succeeded.
Richard

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Richard,
Definitely not a 116, its a First Series 126 tourer, these were manufactured between 1922 and 1923. Most of the RHD 126/133 Australian delivered cars have those nice Rudge Whitworth wire wheels and yet they are rarely seen on the US LHD cars. Why this is so I do not know. Unlike a lot of less expensive US cars these cars were manufactured as RHD in US and exported to Australia as complete cars.
Looks like a nice example.

Richard,
for including your 1921 Single Six Touring in the Registry.

Richard,
I have just been reminded that a good photo of your car appears on page 22 of an Australian book: "The Second James Flood Book of Early Motoring".
The caption under the photo states :
Packard First Series Six Tourer owned by Peter Evans , Largs Bay SA.
The book was published around 1980.

Wow Richard ...

That is one beautiful car. I think it may have more mileage on it in international shipping than what it has on the odometer!

Thanks very much for the information Guys. One other question - if it is a First Series single six, will it have the original 241 cu in engine, or enlarged engine? It is a beautiful car to drive and feel really lucky to own it.
Regards
Richard