1930 Packard Series 734 Eight Speedster Runabout

Speedsters were offered to the public in 1929 for $5,000, and again in 1930. Some might argue that this was America's first muscle car! The 385 cubic-inch inline eight was fitted with a high-compression head, high-lift camshaft, larger exhaust ports, and a dual-throat carburetor, all of which helped bump horsepower from 106 to 145 giving the car an honest 100 mph capability. Speedsters were among the first automobiles to be equipped with a four-speed transmission. The Speedster was not advertised, and quietly disappeared without fanfare; most Packard dealers weren't even aware it was available! It is generally agreed that just 115 were produced over the two years; 19 (as few as 12) of which are known to exist today including six authentic boattails like this car.

This 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Boattail Runabout was in the collection of William Harrah and General Lyon for over five decades. It retains its original body, engine, steering box, frame and rear axle. The 384 cubic-inch L-head inline 8-cylinder engine has a Detroit Lubricator dual-throat carburetor, high compression head, correct finned manifolds, and delivers 145 horsepower. It has a 'visually-identical' 1931 4-speed manual transmission. There are correct Speedster finned drum brakes, Radiator stone shield, Haartz canvas top, black leather seats, red carpeting, six chrome wire wheels (including dual side-mounted spares), and a Daphne at the Well radiator mascot.

Harrah acquired the car in 1960, and it would remain in his collection for 26 years. A restoration was commissioned in Salmon and Brown that was completed in 1964. Another restoration began after it left the Lyon Collection. It was shown at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and the 2022 St. Michaels Concours d'Elegance.