​1929 PACKARD EIGHT, MODEL 645 SPORT PHAETON, BY DIETRICH

• In November 1899 the first Packard rolled off the line in Warren, Ohio. Packard moved the entire operation to Detroit, Michigan in 1903.
• The name Dietrich is always closely associated with the finest coachbuilt Packards of the late 1920s and 30s. The Dual Cowl was the ultimate in style and design.
• The eight cylinder that Packard had revealed in 1923 as a successor to the Twin-Six provided the backbone of Packard's future production until the late 1930's. The design was a simple side valve (L-head) of the highest quality with a light alloy crankcase running in nine main bearings.
• The straight eight engine is 384.8 cubic inches and produces 120 horsepower. The gearbox is a three speed and the suspension has semi-ellipitical leaf springs in both the front and rear.
• 1929 marked the first application of the Packard family coat-of-arms as a radiator emblem. The temperature gauge was removed from the radiator filler cap to a more easily read dash-mounted position and an automatice cylinder oiler avoided engine wear caused by dry starts.
• The original price of the car was $5230. This included 6 wire wheels, a turnk with luggage ($100) and $5 for the monogram.
• This Packard was purchased in April of 1929 by W.E. Dean of Cincinnati, Ohio. We have all the registration cards dating to 1946. It is noted that the car was not used in 1943 during the war. 
• The next owner was William Krielling. W.F. Neal of Crawfordville, Ga became the thrid owner in 1971. The car was purchased for the collection in 1981.
• This Packard was driven by Gene and Neta Cofer on the first "Great American Race" in 1983. The race started in Buena Park, CA and ended in Indianapolis, IN.
• It was featured in the 2003 film "Stroke of Genius". This was the story of local golfing legend Bobby Jones and was used as Mr. Jones' personal car in the movie.