1907 Packard Model Thirty

Packard Electric Company was a pioneer manufacturer of cable and electrical devices including carbon arc lamps. It was founded by James Ward Packard and his brother William in 1890, giving them the financial stability to acquire a Winton automobile built by Alexander Winton. Dissatisfied with his purchase, James Ward offered Mr. Winton suggestions on how to improve his product. Winton took the critique poorly and challenged Packard to do better. The first Packard automobile was completed on November 6, 1899, and a year later, the Ohio Automobile Company was incorporated and renamed in 1902 as the Packard Motor Car Company. Initially based in Warren, Ohio, the company relocated to Detroit in 1903. Approximately 400 automobiles were built at the Warren, Ohio-based factory from 1899 until 1903.

Packard solely produced four-cylinder models from 1903 until 1912; a six-cylinder model was part of the company's lineup from 1913 until 1947.

Packard displayed an automobile at New York City's first automobile show in 1903. Development was ongoing, and the Packard motorcars quickly earned a reputation for reliability, durability, and enviable performance. A 1902 Packard Model F with a single cylinder 12 horsepower engine with automatic ignition advance and 3-speed sliding gear transmission was driven from San Francisco to New York in 1903, taking 53 days to complete the transcontinental trip.

After moving to Detroit and recapitalized as the Packard Motor Car Company, the company transitioned from buggy-style runabouts and tourers to the front-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration with the Model K and its successor, the Model L. Truck production commenced in 1903, making Packard one of the first companies to produce internal combustion powered trucks as a separate and distinct line.

The Packard Model Thirty Series U

The Model Thirty was introduced in 1907 and was the first Packard to indicate its engine power in the model name, as previous Packard Models were identified by letters. (It is worth mentioning that the Model S of 1906 was marketed as the Model 24, referring to a claimed 24 bhp output from the T-head engine). The production of the Model Thirty continued until 1912, and it, along with the Model 18, represented the company's last four-cylinder offering.

The 1907 Packard Model Thirty

The Model Thirty was Packard's only model offered in 1907; the Model Eighteen joined the Model Thirty in 1909 and both would remain in production through 1912. The Model Eighteen was more affordable than its sibling, with prices that were approximately $1,000 less. It had a similar catalog of body styles but was built on a shorter wheelbase and powered by a smaller, 265.7 cubic-inch inch engine rated at its namesake - 18 horsepower.

The 1907 Packard Model Thirty was not an all-new automobile but an improved version of the previous S, again offered as a runabout, tourer, limousine, and landaulet but dropping the Victoria. Wheelbase sizes increased by three inches (now measuring 122 inches), displacement rose from 349.9 to 431.9 cubic inches, and prices were approximately $200 higher than the 1906 versions.

The four-cylinder, T-head, 431.9 cubic-inch engine had a float-feed carburetor, a cast iron block, three main bearings, solid valve lifters, a 5-inch bore, 5.5-inch stroke, and produced 30 horsepower at 650 RPM (it was rated 40hp under the ALAM system and advertised by the conservative Packard marque as producing 30 hp). Along with a larger displacement courtesy of a .5-inch larger bore, the engine had larger valves, and the tops of the cylinder and valve chambers were now flat instead of the prior domes. Engine numbers for the 1907 Packard began with 3003 and ended with 4134.

The transmission was a three-speed sliding gear unit with an unusual expanding flywheel clutch, shaft drive, bevel gear differential, and live rear axle. Packard had abandoned transverse leaf spring suspension the previous year with the Model S and both the front and rear axles had semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension. Expanding shoe and contracting band brakes on the rear wheels provided redundant braking.

There were wooden, artillery wheels and a tire repair kit that now included a pump and jack, along with irons for carrying extra tires. Headlights were another new standard amenity, as were the irons for an extension cape cart top.

The runabout and tourer body styles were priced at 4,200, the limousine at $5,500, and the landaulet at $5,600. A 122-inch wheelbase was used for all body styles except the lightweight, sporting Runabout (Gentleman's Roadster), which utilized a 108-inch wheelbase platform.

Packard produced a total of 1,128 examples of its 1907 Model Thirty, which was introduced in August 1906.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout
Chassis number: 3924

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 Dan Vaughan

Runabout
Chassis number: 5175

This 1907 Packard 30hp Gentleman's Roadster was on display at the 2008 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' sale presented by Bonhams Auction. It was later offered for sale at the 'The Richard C. Paine Jr. Collection' auction in September of 2008 where it was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000.

This Gentleman's Roadster was acquired from Dr. Samuel Scher in the mid-60s in a multi-car transaction. It was given a restoration by Gus Reuter to National First Prize winning condition for Dr. Scher. The Jones speedometer shows just 7,973 miles. There is a trumpet bulb horn, acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, luggage trunk, a single spare tire strapped to the right running board, and a bucket-style 'mother-in-law seat' on the rear deck atop the copper gas tank. The interior features two bucket seats for the driver and passenger, a hood, and a cowl. There is a top but no side curtains. It is painted in a combination of pale greenish-cream with dark green accents, borders, undercarriage, and inner fenders. The interior is green leather with a tan cloth top and spare tire cover piped in green.

At the auction, the car was left unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Touring
Chassis number: 3634

The new Model 30 (also known as the Model U) for 1907 cemented Packard as a true luxury automobile maker, creating, with Peerless and Pierce-Arrow, the 'Three Ps' of prestige in American automobile manufacturing. Packard was the only member of the Three Ps to survive the Depression, but only because it diversified into medium-priced cars. Still, Packard continued to lead the American luxury segment after World War II and was outsold by Cadillac only once before 1950.

The Model 30 is a four-cylinder car built in several series from 1907-1912. Along with the smaller Model 18 (1908-1912), it was Packard's last four-cylinder automobile. It was also Packard's only offering from 1907 and 1908. It would eventually be replaced by the Packard Six.

The redesigned T-head, water-cooled four-cylinder engine displaces 431.9 cubic inches and produces 30 horsepower at 650 RPM with a rear-mounted three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle, and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, two-wheel mechanical brakes sitting on a 123.5-inch wheelbase. The redesigned linkage in the transmission allowed the reverse gear to be activated with the regular gear shift. Since 1904, all previous Packards had a separate lever for the reverse gear.

The Packard Model 30 was offered with both closed and open bodies. Prices when introduced started at about $4,200 for the open models and went up to $5,500 for the limousine and $5,600 for the luxurious landaulet model. The long list of standard equipment includes oil lamps, a full tool kit, and a pair of extra demountable rims. The closed cars also included speaking tubes, adjustable ventilators, and a dome light that features its' own separate battery. Also included were a speedometer and an air-pressure gauge.

This seven-passenger touring car is a fine example of the understated elegance and beautiful craftsmanship for which Packard would become known. This is the 28th oldest Packard known to exist. It is one of 1,403 Packard's produced in 1907. It is a former AACA Award Winner including Preservation in 2012.

Leonard Davis performed a six-year restoration on the car in 1976. It is finished in Maroon with Gold striping. There are brass headlamps and trim, a 16-inch Sterling steering wheel, red spoke wheels, Dunlop tires including two spares, and a known ownership history since 1955.

Runabout
Chassis number: 3474

This Packard 30 was a special order for Louis W. Hill, President of the Great Northern Railway. Hill took delivery on February 13, 1907, paying $4,431 for the runabout with touring fenders and several custom options. He also had the clock engraved with his initials. Hill was an avid 'automobilist' who organized the 1913 Glidden Tour National Reliability Run and built a garage into his private railcar to travel with the Packard. The current owner acquired the Runabout in 1983 and performed a sympathetic restoration to retain the car's authenticity. Since then, the Packard has logged over 30,000 miles, participating in several transcontinental tours. As Hill liked to winter in Pebble Beach with the car, its invitation to attend the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was a homecoming of sorts for this noteworthy Model 30.

Runabout
Chassis number: 3924

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.

The slogan 'Ask The Man Who Owns One' is one of the most famous in American History. It was the response given to most individuals when asked about a Packard. They were reliable, elegant, powerful, and quality automobiles. Their attention to detail and ingenuity were some of the key factors in making the company successful.

The Packard legend began in 1898 when James Ward Packard, a mechanical engineer, purchased a Winton. The Winton automobiles were good automobiles but the one that Packard had purchased had many flaws and broke down on its first road trip. Packard returned the vehicle to Winton and voiced his displeasure. Winton challenged Packard to build a better product. James and his brother William Dowd Packard began immediately building a vehicle. A year later their first car, a one-cylinder, was introduced. They built four more cars that year, and the following year, in 1900, they produced 47 of a Model B under the name New York and Ohio Company, a subsidiary of the brothers' Packard Electric Company, manufacturers of transformers and electric lighting equipment. The cars were simple yet durable. They featured a single-cylinder engine mounted under the seat and attached to a two-speed planetary transmission and chain drive.

On September 10th of 1900 the Ohio Automobile Company, based in Warren, Ohio, was formed. In 1903 the name was changed to the Packard Motor Car Company when it moved from Warren, Ohio to Detroit, Michigan. The move was the result of a majority stock purchase made by investors in the Detroit area.

In 1907 Packard introduced its Model 30 which would remain in production until the early 1910s. It was called the Model 30 because of its 30-horsepower engine. By T-head four-cylinder unit displaced 431.9 cubic inches and powered the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission mounted in the rear.

The Model 30 was a very important car for Packard and was a top seller for many years, even after it was joined by a smaller Model 18 in 1909.

In 1908 Packard extended and enlarged the wheelbase and fitted them with 36-inch wheels. The results of this revised Model 30 were designated UA. There were additional body styles such as a close-coupled tourer and a victoria, and windshields were optional equipment. Packard made another bold claim in 1909 by touting this Model 30 UB as 'The Masterpiece of the Largest Exclusive Motor Car Factory in the World.' The claims were justified as Packard was the largest exclusive motor car factory in the world with its floor-space that extended 14 acres and their payroll had 3,200 employees.

In 1909 founder James Ward Packard's presidency was passed on the Henry Joy.

In 1910 the Model 30 UC was introduced. The list of new body styles included a phaeton and a four-passenger tourer. Mechanical improvements included a dry-ply clutch which replaced the expansion ring unit.

In 1911 the success continued with the Model 30-UD. A coupe and a brougham were new body styles, replacing the landaulet and demi-limousine. The six-cylinder cars were the big news for the year with production models designated as 1912.

The final year of the Model 30 saw significant changes. The wheelbase was lengthened providing even more luxurious accommodations for its passengers. Side curtains were now standard. The ride and handling were enhanced with improved shock absorbers. In the front were 37 x 5 tires and 36x4.5 in the rear. A spare tire of each size could be found on the right running board.

by Dan Vaughan

The Packard Motor Company displayed its first motor carriage in 1900, at the first New York City auto show. Three years later, the Packard's had improved significantly and their reliability was greatly increased. A 1902 Model F fitted with a Packard single-cylinder 12 horsepower engine and automatic ignition advance made the transcontinental trip from San Francisco to New York in 53 days.

In 1907, Packard introduced their first model to have its name indicate its engine power. It was the Model 30. The Packard Model 30 was powered by a newly-designed T-head four-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 40 horsepower under the ALAM system. The engine had a 5-inch bore and a long 5.5-inch stroke. It displaced 432 cubic inches and was advertised as making 30 brake horsepower.

The new engine was designed to carry the long, large, and heavy coach-bodys which were becoming more popular with the wealthy. The engine, itself, required a longer wheelbase chassis to accommodate its size. The drive was through an unusual expanding band clutch with a three-speed transmission to a live rear axle. This setup was in favor of the prior configuration of transverse leaf springs which had been abandoned the previous year with the Model S. Now, the front and rear were given semi-elliptical leaf springs. Redundant braking on the rear wheels was provided by both expanding shoe and contracting band brakes.

During its introductory year, over 1,300 examples were sold. It was an immediate success for the Packard Company. It was a very versatile vehicle, offered in two-wheelbase sizes and several body styles to accommodate a diverse clientele. The Touring, Limousine, and Landaulette coachwork rode on a 122-inch wheelbase while the Sporting Runabout and Gentleman's Roadster rode atop a shorter 108-inch wheelbase.

by Dan Vaughan