This vehicle has been professionally appraised and listed at the appraised value. Therefore it is priced at a firm price. This vehicle is believed to be one of 11 vehicles remaining today. More detail is available on this vehicle further down the description.
The Packard Eight was a luxury automobile produced by Packard between 1930 and 1936[1], and was a progression from the earlier Packard Six which was first introduced in 1913.[2]
Offered in four models, the Standard Eight, Custom Eight, [3], De Luxe Eight,[4] and Speedster it was powered by a low-compression aluminum-head[5] L-head inline eight[6] producing 90 bhp (67 kW)[7] (hence the name).[8] Packard ads bragged the engine "floated" on new rubber mounts.[9] Power would be upgraded to 110 hp (82 kW) in 1932[10] and 120 hp (89 kW) in 1933.[11]
The Eight offered optional (no extra cost)[12] four-speed synchromesh transmission.[13] Like other Packards of this era, it featured Ride Control, a system of dash-adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers.[14] The Eight also featured automatic chassis lubrication[15] and "shatterproof" glass.[
In 1930, the Eight was factory priced between US$2425 and US$2885 for the Standard Eight, US$3190 to US$3885 for the Custom Eight, and US$4585 to US$5350.[31] In 1932, prices ranged from US$2250 to US$3250[32] for the Standard Eight, while the De Luxe Eight started at US$3150.[33]
The Packard Speedster Eight Model 734 was a sporty passenger car line by the Packard Motor Car Company offered for the 1930 model year (7th series) only. Based on a heavily modified Standard Eight (733) chassis, it got smaller and narrower coachwork. The 734 straight eight engine is derived from the 740 Custom Eight's. It differs in valve and manifold revisions, a dual updraft carburetor, a vacuum booster pump and a ribbed exhaust manifold. The engine delivers 145 HP (740: 106 HP) without increase in bore or stroke, which remain at 3½ x 5 in.
Speedster Eights have four instead of three speeds, and the customer could choose from several rear end ratios at no extra cost. 734 models have their parking lights mounted on the fenders, not on the body like Standard Eights. They also feature senior car's hoods with for ventilation door. Only 117 cars were built.
The subject vehicle is a 1930 Packard Custom Eight 740 Roadster. Engine is a 385ci I-8 I-head 106hp with 4 speed manual transmission. Mileage shows 1,852 miles since restoration. Overall condition is rated at # 2 with professional appraisal available upon request. The body was designed by Detrich, but built by Packard. 1st year four-speed transmission. There was no known history able to be discovered about this example, which was acquired by its current owner in September, 2006. The example is outfitted with optional (on 740’s) dual side-mounts. This example is believed to be one of an estimated 11 examples remaining, although records do not exist that break down 740 production by type. The subject vehicle appears to be an older restoration, which is mellowing somewhat but still shows very nicely throughout.
The engine area shows very nicely throughout, with only limited signs of aging and use.
Engine number 186652. Patent plate is present, number 186655. Cowl anti-theft stamping 131194. Stewart vacuum feed fuel delivery system. Standard Bijur automatic lubrication. Wiring in the engine area shows in good condition. Engine paint and bright work all shows nicely. Correct dual-belt pulley. Hoses in good condition, period incorrect clamps used. Period McCord radiator. Heat-wrapped exhaust manifold downpipe. Modern battery disconnect switch mounted on the inner passenger side frame rail in the engine area. The interior shows in good overall condition, with some cosmetic mellowing generally observed. Chrome door jamb trim shows in excellent condition. Seat shows very nicely, with mild wear and tear observed. Rumble seat material shows well, The dashboard shows very nicely, with light signs of aging observed. Wood inset trim shows very nicely. The convertible top is older, and shows some light staining in a few places, but no notable damage. Top frame and wood trim shows very nicely. The exterior finish is very presentable, with excellent overall reflective quality. There are a few small areas where some minor lacquer cracking is beginning to develop. Luggage rack present, and shows in good condition. Glass shows in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks observed. Panel fitment is very good throughout, and both doors open and close smoothly and easily.
Chassis is generally clean and well kept, with limited signs of age and use observed. Tires are Firestone 6.50-19 tires on chrome wire wheels that show some light patina. Professional appraisal offered upon request. Additional pictures to be posted as available.
