1910 Packard Model Thirty

Packard introduced the Model 30 (also known as the Model U) in August of 1906 for the 1907 model year and it served as a replacement for the Model S. These were the last Packard cars to use the right-hand drive and an engine of only four cylinders, with production continuing through 1912 with a total of 9,540 examples produced. The Twin Six replaced the Model 30 as the top-of-the-line Packard.

Packard claimed that the Model 30 had undergone more than 50,000 test miles before it was offered to the public. It was offered with both open and closed bodies, with the closed cars being equipped with a speaking tube, a dome light with a separate battery, and an adjustable ventilator. Standard equipment included a tool kit, speedometer, air-pressure gauge, two extra demountable rims, and an oil lamp.

Powering the Model Thirty was a water-cooled, four-cylinder, T-head engine with a 431.9 cubic-inch displacement. It had a bore of 5 inches and a stroke of 5.5 inches. A plate clutch was blocked with the engine and power was transmitted by a long shaft with universal joints to the three-speed sliding-gear manual gearbox with reverse. This housing located at the rear axle also contained the differential.

The Model 30 had a ladder-type frame with a semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension. Brakes were mechanical on the rear wheels only that were operated by a pedal - external contracting - or lever - internal expanding.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019