1930 Packard Series 745 Deluxe Eight Roadster

The early 1930s were devastating for many marques. The onset of the Great Depression meant that many manufacturers were left with few buyers and collapsed. The cars that Packard produced were positioned for the upper class.

During the 1920s the company prospered but as the 1930s began sales declined. Packard stopped annual model changes in 1923. Instead, they introduced the 'Series' concept, which did not follow the calendar year, allowing a series to last for more than one year. 1930 Packard automobiles are part of the Seventh Series. They were among the last to use piano-spoke wire wheels. They had a new fender line that ran from the crown of the fender to the running board. Other styling cues included fender-mounted parking lamps, three-lens tail lights, new headlamps, an adjustable driver's seat, and dual glove compartments. They had Watson Stabilizer shock absorbers, thermostatic radiator shutters, a centralized chassis lubrication system, laminated windows, a hypoid rear axle, new gauges, and a four-speed transmission. The engine offered 106 HP at 3200 RPM along with 350 lbs/ft of torque.

The Seventh Series Packards were introduced toward the end of 1929 just as the Stock Market began to tumble and customers for expensive motorcars were hard to find. Packard survived in part due to the marque's reputation for reliability as well as its beauty, luxury, and comfort. The big Packards were available on two chassis, the 140-inch Model 740 and the 5-inch-longer Model 745. Finished with either a factory body or a coach built design they came with a selection of radiator mascots, including the Deluxe Goddess and the Adonis. Fewer than 1,800 Packard 745s were sold of which around 50 were roadsters. Beneath the long hood of this desirable Deluxe Eight Roadster lies a 385-cubic-inch, straight-8 engine. The factory body is fitted with a folding rear rumble seat windshield, and the car has chrome wire wheels and dual Pilot Ray fog lamps.

Packard also offered a 740 Roadster, and many buyers opted for that less-expensive short-wheelbase (140-inch) car. However, it is the custom coachwork by LeBaron on the long 145-inch wheelbase that really showcases the combination of Packard power and LeBaron styling. This particular car was delivered new to Orville Brown in Toledo, Ohio. He kept the car for 29 years before selling it to Charles Risotto of Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1959. Charles sold the car to Wm. R. (Bob) Efferding of Maquoketa, Iowa in 1960. Mr. Frenyen of Minneapolis purchased the car from Efferding in 1966. Richard J. Askren bought the car from Frenyen in 1969 and kept it for 20 years. Gene Perkins of Greenwood, Indiana purchased the car in 1989 from Askren and kept it for 26 years. The current owner purchased the car from CCCA President and Packard aficionado Perkins after a very long courtship a few years ago, making him the seventh owner in 89 years.