1930 Packard Series 734 Eight Speedster Runabout

Packard introduced the 734 Speedster series in January of 1930, a full five months after the public introduction of Packard's Seventh Series models on August 20th of 1929. This series was the work of Colonel Jesse Vincent who had a special speedster built to demonstrate the potential of a lightweight Packard. Vincent's prototype was driven by famed aviator Charles Lindbergh at Packard's proving grounds, easily exceeding 109 mph. Packard chief Alvan Macauley was impressed with the prototype and the 734 Speedster series was born in 1930.

The lightened boattail body had its overall weight reduced by 455 pounds. The engine was given twin-throat carburetion, a finned exhaust manifold, and other updates raised the eight-cylinder engine's basic output to 125 brake horsepower. With the optional high-compression (8.0:1) cylinder head, the engine produced upwards of 145 horsepower.

The Packard 734 Speedster, for some reason, was not advertised and little promotion was ever done, the sole exception of a single eight-page, black-and-white brochure. As a result, just 113 examples were ever built.

This 1930 Packard Speedster Runabout is an authentic, accurately constructed example that is faithful to the original coachwork. It is finished in blue with a light blue beltline rib, a beige top, and dark blue upholstery and carpeting.

A restoration was completed in the 1980s, which resulted in AACA National First Prize Award honors in 1988.

Period accessories include a radiator stone guard, dual driving lamps, dual side-mounted spares with canvas covers, side-view mirrors, chrome wire wheels, and whitewall tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014