1907 Packard Model Thirty Runabout

The Packard 30 was a powerful and majestic automobile with a four-cylinder, 432-cubic-inch engine. This example with original Runabout coachwork, was delivered new to William Sweatt of City Mills, Massachusetts. In 1040, the car was acquired by Rod Blood, an esteemed collector, and it is said this was a favorite among his more than 30 Packards. Equipped from new with unusual double horns (for passenger and driver), in addition to the standard yet opulent brass lights and fixtures, this car passed through the hands of several prestigious collectors while remaining in the Northeast for its entire life. Now over 117 years old, this Packard 30 is a quintessential representative of the Brass Era and one of the best examples in existence.

Only four examples of the Packard Model G, built in Warren, Ohio, were ever created. They had twin cylinders and, unfortunately, were not successful vehicles. James Ward Packard, a businessman, realized his mistakes and continued on his automobile production endeavor. The next Packard was a four-cylinder car dubbed the Model K. It was introduced in the fall of 1902. This model was successful and soon the Packard Motor Car Company was established. A new factory was constructed in 1903.

During the dawn of the automobile, racing was paramount. A good finish on Sunday meant sales on Monday. Packard realized this necessity and quickly entered their four-cylinder car into competition. Their designer, Charles Schmidt, did most of the driving. One of his more successful campaigns was in 1904 in the first Vanderbilt Cup race where he achieved a respectable four-place. He drove a Packard at Daytona 77.5 mph record. The publicity from the racing accomplishments fueled sales. By 1904 annual production exceeded 200 units.

The 1904 models had a displacement size of 241.7 cubic inches. The size increased the following year to 265.7 cubic inches. For 1906, Packard introduced their legendary Model S, commonly known as the Model 24. It was powered by a 'T'-head engine featuring a magneto jump spark ignition. This was soon followed by the Model Thirty which featured a displacement size of 431.9 cubic inches and produced 30 horsepower. It had larger valves and other improvements to help achieve this impressive amount of horsepower. The engine was used to power the company's formal touring cars, limousines, and landaulette models. Most were built atop a 122-inch wheelbase. The two-seater Runabout rested on a wheelbase that measured a mere 108 inches.

Total production for the Model Thirty (U Series) cars was 1,128.

Chassis 3924
The original owner of this car was Mr. Shaw of Topsfield, Massachusetts. It remained in his care until 1940 when its ownership was changed to Rob Blood. He retained the car for 26 years. By 1966 it was in the possession of Ms. Ivy Finn, then George Waterman, then Robert Petrarca of Warwick, Rhode Island, then Joe Beers of Windgap, Pennsylvania in 1972. Mr. Beers kept the car until his demise in 2006.

This 1907 Packard Model Thirty U Series Runabout was offered for sale at the 2007 Bonhams Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club and was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. It left the auction unsold.

This Runabout was treated to a ground-up restoration in 1984. It is painted in yellow with a deep maroon pinstripe, red wooden wheels and chassis detail, and a matching red deep-button leather interior. It has a cape top, brass gas headlamps and kerosene side and rear lamps, a folding brass-framed windshield, two spares mounted on the driver's side, and a bulb horn on the passenger side.

This car is the thirty-second oldest complete Packard known to exist.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008