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

I came across this car about 10-15 years ago but it wasn't for sale at the time. It is now on the market and I considered buying it.

However, I've been advised that the body from the cowl backwards is 1980's South African homemade. On closer inspection I also started noticing the differences.

I must admit that it is still a nice car and that probably 99% of the world's poulation would never know that the bodywork is not original.

Please have a look at thi pics that I attached. The scan of the advert shows the side-view. Back door isn't suicide and has the curve of the mudguard, which it shouldn't have, etc.

Note that this car is RHD! If you are still interested in learning more about this car please let me know. If you want to buy it or parts thereof I can probably put you in touch with the owner.

It should still be a runner, although I haven't seen it go yet.

I'll be interested in the discussion that will hopefully follow.

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I just want to point out that by "part of the car" I mean something decent such as the whole engine and gearbox, or the running chassis or something. Not a gearknob or door handle or something small.

I am not suggesting that this car should be chopped for parts. It is actually a very nice car and I think it can be restored as a 443 Touring or Phaeton if you have the right guy and enough money.

The body work has been very well done and it looked original to me at first glance, but now I know it isn't.

I have a '29 626 rumble seat coupe (basket case) and some of these parts will work nicely on that car, which coincidentally suffered a similar fate with everything behind the doors not being original Packard.

If anyone is interested I have uploaded the Hi-Res photos that I took of this car on DivShare:http://www.divshare.com/gallery/889217-afd

You will probably be able to see the anomalies better on these photos.

One can actually play a game of "spot the anomaly" and try to see how many can be uncovered on this "coachbuilt" Packard.

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Emil, it will help us to identify your car if the body tag would have survived. According to Sandy Mitchell you could find the tag when you open

"...the rear right door and lift the carpet up a bit. There should be a brass body tag about 4 inches in nailed to the floor. If it is a 1928 the number will start with 30..."

And could you be so kind to confirm that your VIN is 228455? Our resident prewar experts would probably be able to make the VIN talk.

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i've talked to Emil on the phone as I knew his dad(a true gentleman) before he passed. The car has a homebuilt body as I indicated to Emil. More than likely it was prob a sedan variety in one part of its life..the odds are in that favor. and if it were the whole interior would have been leather.95 percent of all south african cars were delived with leather. remember road were practically non existent and if they did exist eg (Capetown to Jo burg a distance of 1200 miles) they were unpaved dirt and gravel. so leather was ordered more from a practical standpoint. You even see all leather interior in ford and chevs of that period

the car has a 1929 dash in it also totally incorrect.

Hello Sandy and everyone else, the VIN number can be confirmed as 228455R on the plate. There is no <******> stamp number on the cowl, since that is also not Packard. I can try and check if the brass body number plaque still remains - as per Sandy's description of where to find it.

I will most likely go and take another look at this car.

One of the most notable anomalies on this car is that the rear doors aren't "suicide" - they open the same way as the front doors, which is incorrect for the 443 Phaeton.

Question: Can one buy the correct reproduction cast brass windshield and convertible top and supports/mechanism for this car from the USA?

I believe the bodywork can be changed to look just like the real 443 Phaeton and that the parts mentioned above here would greatly improve the look of this car if they can be obtained.

Emil, thanks for confirming the VIN. I believe that the "R" indicates RHD.
As a side note a missing thief proof number (between triangles embossed to the firewall) wouldn't indicate a wrong firewall. Even a correct 1928 firewall shouldn't have it. According to Dave (Owen_Dyneto) it starts not before 1929.

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Perhaps Sandy can also comment on this. When we spoke he indicated that the '28 443 should have the embossed number on the cowl. I know my '29 626 cowl does have a number for sure.

So perhaps the cowl on this car is original then? We'll have to dig a little deeper it seems.

Emil, now I really got myself into hot water as both Sandy and Dave are confirmed experts.



That's my source.