1926 PACKARD 443 PHAETON

Details

Powered by a 384CI 8 cylinder engine backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. This is a period customization by coachbuilder Murphy with styling inspired by Rudolph Valentino's Avions Voisin. Murphy undertook the task with a Voisin radiator sourced from France, as well as special headlamps and chromed Rudge wire wheels. The front fenders were modified to suit the new radiator styling, while the hood was finished in bare polished aluminum with chevron louvers. Other touches likely dating from

this work were a second cowl, a polished aluminum dashboard and a Valentino-inspired mascot, a menacing coiled cobra, like that famously fitted to the Great Lover's personal automobiles. For some 50 years, the car was maintained as it had been acquired, until it was finally sold in 2012. The new owner oversaw a cosmetic restoration in a striking Ultramarine Blue, rechromed wheels and other refinements were also undertaken. There are few more exotic Packards of the period than this car, which is likely the only survivor of its kind with period customization by the great Walter M. Murphy Company of Duesenberg and Cadillac fame - and inspiration from none other than Rudolph Valentino.