1929 Packard 645 Deluxe Eight Dietrich Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton
$ Inquire
Spectacular Dietrich Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton. ONE-FAMILY-OWNED FOR 47 YEARS.
Packard was the leading manufacturer of luxury cars throughout the 1920's. The pinnacle came in 1929 with this model: the 645 "Deluxe Eight" with custom Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton body by Dietrich.
Born in 1894, Raymond Dietrich was a renowned custom body designer who began working as an apprentice at the Brewster Body Works in 1913. In 1921, together with Thomas Hibbard, Dietrich formed LeBaron Carrosiers and gained fame designing custom bodies for many marques. In 1925, Dietrich went out on his own, forming Dietrich and Company. His designs were soon being featured by Packard in their custom line catalog.
Dietrich's Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was built on Packard's largest chassis; the 145 inch wheelbase "Deluxe Eight", featuring Packard's 384 cubic inch straight 8. Smooth, quiet and powerful, it was the perfect undercarriage for Dietrich's design. With flowing fenders and a steeply-raked windshield (Dietrich's hallmark), the hood gracefully flowed through the front cowl into the rest of the body. The second, rear cowl sported another identically raked windshield that could fold down, allowing the second cowl to raise, providing access to the rear compartment. Storage compartments were provided inside the rear cowl and behind the front seat. Outside, at the rear of the body was a folding trunk rack to accommodate luggage for extended touring.
This Sport Phaeton was sold by Packard and exported to South America, where it lived for nearly 50 years. By the late 1970's it was back in the U.S., stored in the San Francisco area.
Enter George Choban.
George was a collector of fine Classic cars while still in his 20's, in the 1950's. By the time he was nearing 50 years old in 1978, he began looking for a car from 1929 - the same year he was born. He found out about this Sport Phaeton and traveled from his home in Oregon to California to see it in-person. He returned from the trip disappointed. While mostly complete, the car had been disassembled and the parts were scattered in dozens of boxes. George felt it would be too big of a project to attempt by himself.
Then two of his friends, both Packard aficionados - John Langslet and Dave McCready - expressed interest in becoming partners with George in the project. A deal was struck between the trio with the Phaeton's owner and the collection of parts were shipped from California to Oregon.
It became a multi-year project. George and John Langslet focused on rebuilding the engine and drivetrain, while Dave McCready restored the body. An expert body and paint man, Dave massaged the metal back to its original beauty. A color palette was chosen with Packard Maroon undercarriage, fenders and moldings, complimented by a Casino Red body, accented by plentiful use of chrome - including the six wire wheels. Truly a "sporting" Phaeton. Meanwhile, George and John painstakingly rebuilt the engine, returning it, and all ancillary components to factory specifications and finish.
It took many months (as all three of those involved had regular, full-time jobs, 5-days a week), but eventually the project came to fruition. Once completed, each of the three wanted to own the car! Eventually, George Choban became the sole owner (and remained friends with John and Dave!)
The Dietrich was showcased in Packards International's Fall, 1980 magazine - being featured on the cover and in a story written by John Langslet, detailing the story of the restoration. (See full article, below.)
The car was displayed for several years in the center of the Choban family's Greek restaurant, "Marika's", in Portland. It was always a conversation-starter for diners and guests visiting the restaurant. Occasionally the car would be shown at local Packard Club events (where it invariably received a trophy), and in 1987 the Dietrich (now dubbed "The Empress" by the Choban family) participated in the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood, making the 140-mile round trip to the festivities in-style. (See photos, below.)
In 2009 (30 years after the restoration) this Packard was the poster car for the Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance - one of the oldest concours in the west. A beautiful painting of the car was commissioned by the concours and created by artist, Mike Hill. The original 42" x 35" framed painting will be included in this sale, along with the poster, program and other items, all featuring this car.
Following George Choban's passing in 2022, the Packard remained in his home garage. Recently, his family made the decision to offer this Packard, along with all of George's other cars, for sale through Charvet Classic Cars, as David Charvet has been a longtime friend of the family.
At the Charvet shop, the Packard's fuel system was drained. Vacuum tank was cleaned and rebuilt. A new Detroit Lubricator Model 51 carburetor (made by Scott Henningsen) was fitted, to replace the nearly 100-year-old original. A new 6 volt battery was installed. Starter rebuilt. Fluids checked, drained and refilled as needed. New Firestone wide whitewall tires were fitted and balanced. The recommissioning process totaled nearly $10,000.
The car starts easily, runs smoothly and cool. All of the original gauges work and register accurately (excepting the gas gauge and clock.) On the road this car drives beautifully, holds the road well with excellent acceleration and power. The four-wheel, mechanical brakes stop the 5,000 pound car smoothly and quickly. It is a true pleasure to drive.
The paint in lovely, having received a full professional detail. Interior leather is excellent, as is the Harrtz cloth convertible top. Includes fitted car cover.
This is one of a few genuine Dietrich-bodied Dual Cowl Sport Phaetons to survive. It would be welcome at any show or on tour with the Packard Club or Classic Car Club.
Please call with any questions.
WE HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
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