1930 Packard Series 740 Custom Eight Roadster

At the start of the Classic era, Packard was among the leading luxury marque. This all changed during the early years of the Great Depression when Packard sales began to drastically decline. In 1930, the first year of the Depression, Packard sold just 28,386 cars. This was down dramatically from 1929. By this time Packard was one of the oldest car companies in America, with the first Packard built in 1899. The company was founded as the Ohio Automobile Company in Warren, Ohio. It became the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902 and moved to Detroit in 1903.

They entered the Classic era with a new straight eight engine replacing its early V12. This milestone engine used a unique crankshaft design and firing order that balanced the reciprocating forces and eliminated vibration. It was lighter than the V12, providing more power and better fuel economy, and the inline configuration was compatible with the 'long hood' design themes that would be characteristic of the Classic era. The Model 740 rode on a 140-inch wheelbase chassis and was powered by a 385 cubic-inch straight eight-cylinder engine offering 106 horsepower. It was priced at $3,190 and only 6,200 was produced.

This car has been owned by the current owner for 62 years, acquiring it in 1949. It was the first car to be awarded a perfect score, 100 points, in judging by the Classic Car Club of America.