Vehicle Description
In 1930, Packard took a big step outside of its comfort zone as
well as deliberate swing at cross-town rival Cadillac with the
introduction of the sporty, driver-focused 734 Speedster. The 734
(7thseries, 134" wheelbase) was based on a new, shortened and
strengthened chassis that was designed exclusively for the model.
Built in Packard's new in-house custom shop, each 734 received a
revised version of the proven 385 cubic inch straight-eight engine.
The engine was upgraded with a newly designed separate intake
manifold, oversize updraught carburetor, and a 45-degree mounted,
finned exhaust manifold. A larger vacuum booster was added and the
engine was mated to a model-specific four-speed gearbox. These
additions could push the new 734 to 100mph, so it also featured
upgraded brakes with large, finned drums. Contrary to popular
belief, the "Speedster" name referred not to the body style, but to
the sporting nature of the chassis. The 734 Speedster was actually
available in five different custom-catalog body styles: A two-seat
boat-tail runabout, four-seat runabout roadster with rumble seat,
sport phaeton, Victoria coupe, or sedan. In spite of the
exceptional performance and quality, Packard only sold
approximately 113 examples of the 734. The marketing team was
unsure of what to do with such a high-performance machine, given
the majority of Packard clients preferred luxury and silent
operation over outright speed. Today, the 734 is one of the most
coveted of all Packards, with only a handful of genuine examples
surviving, it is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of the
America Classic Era. Our featured example, chassis number 184006,
has enjoyed a rich history and has recently been part of an
important European collection and run regularly in tours and
rallies. It is believed that it left the Detroit works with a
Victoria body, however that body was removed at some point and
replaced with this high-quality and very accurate recreation of the
factory 2-seat runabout, but the original correct Speedster pieces
are still present, the rear axle, the front axle, the finned
manifold, the Speedster carburetor, etc.� The robust nature of
Packard construction meant that chassis would occasionally outlive
bodies, so rebodies are not uncommon. In the 1962, this car joined
the renowned William F. Harrah collection in Reno, Nevada. At some
point during the 1960's or early 1970's, the Boattail body was
built by the renowned Richard Kingston of California Metal Shaping,
using an original 734 Speedster Runabout as a guide.� Eventually,
the Packard found its way via Hyman Ltd to the collection of its
most recent keeper, a passionate and knowledgeable enthusiast who
truly enjoys his automobiles as they were intended: On the road. He
has reported that since purchasing the car from Hyman Ltd, he has
amassed an astounding 30,000km and declared it capable of 130km/h
and to be the most sporting car he has owned next to his XK120. It
presents in very good condition, a car meant for driving over show,
yet still very attractive with good quality finishes and detailing.
The two tone paint scheme is well suited to the sporting body, with
black fenders and top surfaces accented by rich orange sides and
subtle gold coachlines. The orange chassis adds an additional layer
to the already attention-grabbing scheme. Paint quality is very
good with fine finishing and gloss atop straight and well-aligned
panels. The body wears appropriate accessories such as dual
Pilot-Ray driving lamps, chrome Depress-Beam headlamps, dual C.M.
Hall cowl lamps and dual side-mount spares topped with
Packard-branded mirrors. The radiator shell features a polished
stone guard and is topped with the "Adonis" (a.k.a. "Daphne at the
Well") mascot. The chrome plating shows in excellent condition,
with no signs of pitting or blemishes. Six chrome wire wheels are
fitted with blackwall tires for a sporty look, giving the car
enormous presence. The body is very accurately constructed, down to
the small trunk on the rear deck and the offset driver's seat.
Being a sporting roadster, the cabin is simple and purposeful.
Brown leather has taken on a pleasing patina from use, but remains
in very good condition having been recently conditioned. The
steering wheel also shows a nice patina, the sign of a car that has
been used and enjoyed on the road for many years. The instruments
are original issue Packard, with a lovely Jaeger 8-day clock facing
the passenger. The cockpit is trimmed with a polished bright alloy
rail, adding to the sporting flavor of the body. The big straight
eight engine (wearing serial number 184009) is well detailed with
clean and tidy presentation. Having been regularly driven, it shows
some typical patina from use which only adds to the appealing,
inviting nature of this great sporting Packard. The engine retains
its correct finned intake, finished properly in black ceramic. The
cylinder block and head are painted correct Packard green and the
crankcase remains in bare cast material as original. The
presentation is pleasing and accurate, with no major modifications
for road duty. A recent gearbox rebuild ensures reliable and easy
motoring. Having enjoyed regular maintenance and use, this rare and
desirable Packard is ready to continue thrilling its next keeper.
It is FIVA registered and eligible for numerous events worldwide.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Packard Speedster, arguably
one of the finest driver's cars of the period.