Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Hi,

I purchased what was thought to be a 1928 Packard 633 7 passenger sedan, at least that is what the title says. I understand that Packard didn't have 633 until 1929. Is is possible that is could be a 1928? Not sure how the model years went back then. The Ser# is 254525.

Thanks

Hi Burr,
Nice to meet you. You may want to click on the "Packard Model Info" link on the left side navigation bar on this website (has the little car icon next to it). The webmaster has taken the time to break out all the details of each series in that link. I'm sure it will give you the ability to pin down exactly which series your car falls into fairly quickly.

John

Strictly speaking Packard was not building by calendar year model in that era, though the Sixth Series (which would include the 633 model) is generally associated with 1929. Sixth Series models would have included the 626, 633, 640 and 645. Sixth Series production began August 1, 1928 and for a Sixth Series car sold in 1928, there were a few states that would have (improperly by today's practices) titled it as a 1928.

Easy to tell a Sixth Series from earlier models; if there is a large embossed 6-digit number on the engine side of the cowl it's a Sixth Series or later. If no number, it's a 5th Series or earlier. Also, if a six cylinder motor, it's earlier than the Sixth Series or 1929 (though a 6-cylinder motor did again appear for 1937).

Many Sixth series cars were produced in 1928.

John,

Appreciate the quick response. I did check out that information but, was only confused more. The title I have says 1928 633 but, the 633 was 1929. Do you know where to look for the body number?

Thanks!
Burr

Thanks! So, it could be a 1928 633. It does have a 8 cylinder.

Thanks Rob!

Acc'd to Kimes, the 633 was introduced August 1, 1928 and was produced until August 20, 1929. Motor Serial numbers are 233017 to 276166. Assuming the engine is original to the car, an early number would indicate your Packard was built in 1928.

Packard did not I.D. by model year until late in the game. In the '20s the cars were identified by Series, yours being the Sixth. It is entirely plausible that the original title stated the date of purchase as the "year" of the car.

Burr, care to provide the body serial or thief-proof number? That is the large 6-digit number embossed into the cowl.

The number you provide in the first post and call a serial number can be either a motor number or a vehicle number depending on where you found it. Packards didn't use serial numbers but rather vehicle numbers which were stamped on a brass plate on the cowl. Care to clarify where your number came from?

Sure, the serial # is 254525 and the firewall is 029338.

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