Vehicle Description
In the late 1920s, Packard was riding high on a wave of record
sales and profits. With little indication of the economic trouble
to come for the luxury car market as a whole, the company forged
ahead with its latest model, the Seventh Series, introduced in
August 1929, just a few months shy of the stock market crash. The
range opened with the 726 and 733 Standard Eight, followed by the
uncharacteristically sporty 734 Speedster, culminating in the 740
Custom Eight, and finally the flagship 745 Deluxe Eight. Ray
Dietrich, head of Packard's in-house styling department, modified
the design language he created for the 6th series, making it lower
and more graceful while shedding any ties with the 1920s once and
for all. Packard now employed the same standard bodies across the
range, while the hood length made up the difference in wheelbase
between the models. Among the vast array of open and closed body
styles offered by Packard and other coachbuilders on the 740 Custom
Eight chassis, few are as iconic as the factory's own Roadster.
Styled and built at Packard's in-house body shop, it exemplified
the glamor and grandeur of the early 1930s and remained one of the
most collectible classic-era American automobiles. This superbly
restored 1930 740 Custom Eight Roadster, beautifully presented in
dark green with striking red leather upholstery, has been
fastidiously detailed to concours quality standards, boasting
exceptional paint, brightwork, and detailing. The previous owner
purchased the car in 1989 from well-known Canadian enthusiast Aldo
Bigioni, and it has been part of their collection for over 34
years. When first acquired, the car was a complete car sporting an
older restoration likely done in the 1960's or 1970's. The car
underwent a multi-year restoration, which was completed in 2010
under the new owner's tenure. In 2020, the car received a major
mechanical service including rebuilding the brake system,
installing an electric fuel pump and new overdrive unit, restoring
the radiator, and rebuilding the starter motor. A full list of work
performed is available for review. As offered, it is in fine
condition, thanks to expert care in the hands of its most recent
owner. The body is beautifully finished with superb panel fit and
outfitted with a host of period accessories, including a Goddess of
Speed mascot, correct wood-trimmed luggage rack, chrome wire
wheels, and more. The cabin features beautifully trimmed red
leather with matching carpet. Detailing of the dash, instruments,
controls, and decorative trim is superb. Likewise, the black canvas
top is in excellent condition, detailed with red piping and
including a complete set of matching side curtains. Packard's
legendary 385 cubic inch L-head inline-eight engine is beautifully
presented in the engine bay, with an exceptional level of detail.
It is correctly painted in Packard green with a silver crankcase
and black porcelain enamel accessories, which are finely finished.
Period correct clamps, wiring, and hardware are in place, and it is
updated with an oil filter for additional protection when touring.
These powerful and robust engines are among the finest of their
time, paired with the meticulously engineered 740 chassis, making
for an unforgettable driving experience. With its superb
restoration and captivating roadster coachwork, this stunning 740
Roadster is poised to leave a lasting impression on the concours
lawn, while also promising endless enjoyment during CCCA CARavan
tours and similar driving events. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7627-1930-packard-740-custom-eight-roadster/
