The introduction of the Model 30 in 1907 was the spark that established Packard as a builder of luxury cars. Packard became part of the 'Three Ps', and joined other luxury makers Peerless and Pierce-Arrow. Packard, however, would be the only builder to survive the Great Depression, partly because it diversified into medium-priced cars. Packard would enjoy a prosperous career of building high-quality automobiles, and was only outsold once by Cadillac before 1950.
This Model 30 was discovered as a chassis in an apple orchard in South Haven, Michigan in 1955. It was later given an original Packard seven-passenger touring body. The car was given a restoration sometime in the early 1970s and was painted in Royal Blue with white pin-striping, black fenders and chassis and cream running gear. It was re-upholstered to the original pattern in the mid-1990s in red buttoned leather. The lamps are Solar units produced for Packard, and the car is fitted with the correct Prest-o-Lite tank. The oil and gas lamps are in working order but have been modified with electric bulbs front and rear for safety in modern traffic. Inside, there is a Jones 60-mph speedomter and eight-day New Haven clock. The rear jump seats are unique in that they swivel out from the side panel and fold down into place, rather than conventional design of up from the floor.
The car is powered by a 431.9 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine offering 30 horsepower, and there is a rear-mounted three-speed manual gearbox. Braking is by two-wheel mechanical brakes and the wheelbase measures a stately 123.5-inches.
In 2011, this vehicle was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $200,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had found a new owner for the sum of $165,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.