Vehicle Description
In 1930, Packard took a big step outside of its comfort zone when
it introduced the sporty, driver-focused 734 Speedster series. The
734 (7thseries, 134" wheelbase) was based on a new, shortened and
strengthened chassis that was designed exclusively for this
sporting new model. Built in Packard's new in-house custom shop,
the 734 was powered by a revised version of the proven 384.8 cubic
inch straight-eight engine, which had been upgraded with a newly
designed separate intake manifold, oversize updraught Detroit
Lubricator carburetor, optional high-compression cylinder head and
a 45-degree mounted, finned exhaust manifold. A larger vacuum
booster was added to ensure a steady flow of fuel at high speed,
and the engine was mated to a model-specific four-speed gearbox. In
the lighter, narrower chassis, the powerful new engine could push
the 734 to 100mph. Heavy duty dampers and large finned brake drums
were also fitted to keep things under control on the road. Contrary
to popular belief, the "Speedster" name was not related to the body
style, but to the sporting nature of the special new chassis.
Buyers could actually choose from five different custom-catalog
body styles, all built by Packard's custom shop. Choices included
the two-seat boat-tail runabout, four-seat runabout roadster with
rumble seat, sport phaeton, Victoria coupe, or four door sedan. In
spite of the exceptional performance and quality, Packard only sold
approximately 113 examples of the 734. The marketing team and
dealers were 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 desirable Packards ever produced and is considered by many to
be one of the greatest cars of the American Classic Era.
Considering the scarcity and desirable nature of factory-built 734
speedsters (just twenty-seven of the original 113 survive), it is
of little surprise that values easily surpass seven figures on the
rare occasion they become available on the open market. Of the five
body styles originally offered on the 734 chassis, it is the Two
Seat Runabout that is the most sought after. Only 11 are known to
exist today and rarely appear on the market, so naturally some
resourceful enthusiasts have taken to creating their own versions
of these performance icons. Our featured 734 Speedster Runabout is
just such a car; a finely crafted and accurately built
representation or the original that is impeccably detailed and
beautifully presented. The build includes a number of correct
original components as employed on the genuine factory-built
Speedsters. Serial number 186334 denotes this chassis as a 7th
series Deluxe or Custom Eight, delivered in June of 1930. The 134"
wheelbase chassis is clothed in a boattail runabout body that is
both highly accurate and beautifully constructed. Recently out of a
large private collection, this Packard boattail spent some time in
Switzerland in the 1990s, where it was issued FIVA documents and
used extensively for rallies and Packard Club tours throughout
Europe. It returned to the US later in the decade where it took
part in the Great American Race. It is now impeccably presented in
a very attractive and vibrant red paint scheme with black accents.
The car has been very well accessorized with 19" chrome wire wheels
wrapped in new blackwall Firestone rubber, dual steerable Pilot-Ray
driving lamps, radiator stone guard, mascot and dual sidemount
spares. Chrome plating on the fittings and accessories has been
restored to a very high standard. The quality of the body
construction is first rate, displaying excellent fit and finish
throughout. The two-place cockpit is correctly laid out with the
signature staggered seating that allowed the driver a bit more
elbow room when motoring at speed in the narrower-than-standard
cabin. The seats and door panels are trimmed in high quality tan
leather and show little use since the car was freshened in the
hands of the previous owner. The dash, controls and interior
fittings are all properly presented, with the same consistent
quality as the rest of the car. A correct style roadster top is
trimmed in tan canvas and a pair of matching side curtains are
included for all-weather usability. Packard's legendary 348.8 Cubic
Inch inline eight is dressed in Speedster specification with a
correct finned exhaust manifold, vacuum tank and two-barrel Detroit
Lubricator carburetor. The powerful engine, paired with a
period-correct 4-speed gearbox and 3.31:1 rear axle allows for
effortless high-speed cruising. It is beautifully presented with
outstanding detailing and finish work on the signature Packard
Green painted surfaces, along with high quality chrome hardware and
fittings. The undercarriage and suspension are spotlessly presented
with excellent red paintwork on the chassis, axles and springs.
This splendid Packard boattail speedster is a thoroughly enjoyable
and impeccably finished automobile that has been artfully crafted
to be hardly distinguishable from an original Speedster Runabout.
Encompassing all of the style and performance of the factory built
originals, it is the ideal choice for rallies and tours. Proven on
numerous events in Europe and America, this striking Packard is
sure to provide endless enjoyment for its next owner.
