1930 Packard Series 734 Eight Speedster Runabout

This 1930 Packard 734 Speedster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. The car was estimated to fetch between $125,000 - $175,000 and was without a reserve. It spent time in Switzerland during the early 1990s and its engine was given an overhaul in 1994. The Firestone tires are new, being fitted to this vehicle in 2001. It has Pilot Ray driving lights that turn with the wheels. The car has been stored in a humidity-controlled garage and covered with a custom-made car cover when away from the garage.

This car has taken part in the Great American Race, Swiss Packard Club meets, and Packard Europe meetings in France, Belgium, and Austria. It was awarded first prize at the Concours d'Elegance at the Riad Basel, Paris in 1998.

The Speedster lines were available with two engine options, a 125 bhp or a 145 bhp unit. The 145 bhp version had a high compression head, finned manifold, larger valves, and a two-barrel carburetor. The top speed was very impressive, achieved at over 100 mph. Finned drum brakes and 19-inch wire wheels were standard and disk wheels could be purchased for an additional fee.

This car is believed to have been built on the chassis of a 1930 Standard Eight car and has a chassis number that denotes a Seventh Series Deluxe or Custom Eight car delivered on June 11th of 1930. It is powered by engine number 184881 that displaces 384.8 cubic inches and is capable of producing 145 bhp. It has a 3.31:1 rear axle which is suitable for high-speed traveling.

These are highly sought-after vehicles, and bidding was indicative of this fact. The high bid of $121,000 was enough to secure the vehicle a new owner.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007