BODYWORK: The magnificent bodywork of this example was created by Dietrich Inc., a renowned American luxury coachbuilding company founded in 1925 by Raymond H. Dietrich (1894-1980) in New York City. Dietrich Inc. produced significant body designs for Packard, Franklin, and Erskine (a Studebaker corporate brand). In addition to fully bespoke commissions, the firm also offered semi-custom coachwork (constructed in small runs of typically 5-10 examples, built to near-bespoke standards) for Lincoln (then directed by Edsel Ford) and Packard catalogues. Raymond Dietrich also served as a design consultant for Packard.

The “Custom All Weather Town Car” body on this Packard bears no coachbuilder’s plates, yet it is unquestionably a Dietrich creation — its distinctive design is unmistakable. Moreover, period photographs exist in the Dietrich catalogue showing an identical example, which could well be this very car. The body, paintwork, and chrome are all in very good condition, having been restored approximately 25 years ago.

MECHANICAL CONDITION: Powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine of 385 cubic inches (6.3 litres) with seven main bearings, mounted on a chassis with a 140½-inch (3.57 m) wheelbase, the car was both smooth and powerful, as well as remarkably reliable. The mechanical components, like the rest of the car, were fully restored by a professional workshop about 25 years ago, after which it was used regularly, including for long-distance touring. In recent years, it has seen little use, so a general mechanical inspection is recommended.

INTERIOR: The interior is in very good condition. The front compartment is upholstered in leather and fitted with a removable hardtop, allowing it to be used as an open car. A folding tonneau cover is also included for this section once the hardtop is removed. The spacious rear compartment is enclosed and trimmed in luxurious grey velvet. All upholstery work was carried out new during the restoration by one of Barcelona’s finest trimming workshops, following the original patterns with absolute accuracy.

DOCUMENTS: Registered as a Historic Vehicle in Spain, with all corresponding exemptions and advantages.

HISTORY: The Packard 640 Custom Eight is a true gem from the marque’s illustrious Sixth Series (1929) — one of the most striking and impressive automobiles of the Classic Era. Its elegant yet assertive styling featured a long bonnet, sweeping fenders, and distinctive oval headlamps, a design hallmark unique to that year. Today, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful and majestic Packards ever built.

The early history of this particular example is unknown, though an original black-and-white photograph from the Dietrich archives shows an identical car, which may well be this very unit. The current owner acquired it around 30 years ago and undertook a no-expense-spared restoration in Barcelona’s best mechanical, bodywork, and upholstery workshops. After restoration, the car participated in several long-distance rallies — including a memorable journey driven under its own power from Barcelona to Santiago de Compostela (Galicia). In recent years, the car has seen very limited use.