1908 Packard Model Thirty Tourer

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 in 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 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 speedometer and an 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 a 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 the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2011