1928 Packard Eight Model 443 Phaeton
A 143-inch wheelbase chassis gave the Fourth Series Packard its model designation (4-43) when production began in mid-summer 1927 and continued into 1928.
Custom bodies came from respected coachbuilders including Derham, Dietrich, Fleetwood, Holbrook, and Judkins, while Standard models wore factory coachwork. Phaeton variants offered open-air touring with sporting proportions despite the car’s substantial dimensions.
Power came from Packard’s 385 cubic inch L-head straight-eight, a nine-main-bearing design that debuted in mid-1923 and received significant upgrades in 1926. The engine produced 109 horsepower at 3,200 rpm, paired with a three-speed manual transmission.
Front and rear leaf spring suspension and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes completed the running gear, while a Bijur chassis lubrication system simplified maintenance.
Packard manufactured nearly all components in-house, maintaining tight quality control even as the luxury market grew increasingly competitive.
Production totaled approximately 7,800 units across Custom and Standard model lines, establishing the Fourth Series as a significant offering during a challenging period for high-end automobile manufacturers.
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