Vehicle Description
Preservation Class 1930 Packard Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton:
Seventh Series with Coachwork by Ray Dietrich This 1930 Packard
Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl Phaeton is an exceedingly well-preserved
example in the desirable Seventh Series with coachwork designed by
legendary designer Ray Dietrich. Vehicle No. 185748 has been a
multiple Preservation Class and FIVA Award Winner at major events
including Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. It shows just 15,628
miles on the odometer, a figure believed to be actual. A low
mileage car and impressive for the condition of its original
surfaces, mechanical function and the overall survivor qualities
that it proudly displays to this day. The dual cowl body style it
wears has long been regarded by collectors as being the most
desirable configuration and is continually sought after by Packard
enthusiasts.Vehicle No. 185748 was delivered 92 years ago, in May
of 1930, to Packard Montclair Company, Inc of Montclair, NJ. The
known ownership history of the car begins with in both Connecticut
and New Jersey (circa 1966). Associated with these early locales in
particular is an original luggage suitcase that came in the car's
rear mounted trunk-case that is labeled "Summer Dresses - Mrs.
Payne". The first known owner of record for this Packard is John
Westerfelt of Los Angeles, Ca, who acquired the car in the early
1980's. In 2010, Mr. Westerfelt passed away, leaving the car to a
friend of his, a Cadillac collector in the State of Pennsylvania.
In 2018, the car made its way to Scott Grundfor Company where a
thorough mechanical sorting was performed along with general
preservation processes to ensure the protection and future
usability of this incredibly original Packard.Fitted with what
appears to be a 740 Dual Cowl Phaeton body, which is identical in
size to a 745, it is our belief that this body has been on the car
since new, or very close to it, since these vehicles were almost
always custom ordered. The still vibrant largely original paint on
the dark green body is impressive for its condition. In a stable
state with expected patina throughout, the mere presence of the
lacquer, single stage paint lends credence to the notion of a car
that has led a charmed 90-year life with minimal use. The rear
fenders have received a coat of in recent years to repair a light
dent, while the front fenders still retain the original paint. As a
compliment to the original paint, the ample chrome throughout the
car is in excellent original condition. Of note, and in
particularly well-preserved original condition, are the optional
front grill that covers the radiator shutters at the front of the
car along with the original and less prevalent Adonis (sliding boy)
hood ornament. As a detail for Packard buffs, even the original
green gem pieces on the headlights remain in place, as are the
innovative original Pilot Ray driving lamps that move side to side
in concert with the steering. The interior of this survivor Packard
is a fitting match for the other original aspects of the car. The
driver's compartment is well preserved with original leather,
paint, chrome, gauges and wood. The green leather that lines the
doors is original as well, a feature of the car that is so
undeniably rare for an open car from this era that it is fairly
characterized as unique. Gauges and switches in the cabin function
properly and remain in original condition. The rear seating
compartment offers further original Packard quality to explore. The
floor carpets are original as is the carpeting on the footrest
while the original chromed frame of the footrest is in beautiful
condition. Preservation repair work has been completed on the rear
seat back leather and some areas of the original door panels in
order to enhance durability for future use, and to prevent
degradation while remaining all original. The engine compartment of
the car is perhaps the most well-kept original area of the car.
This includes not only the mechanical components contained within
the engine bay, but also the incredibly well-preserved painted
surfaces. The black painted firewall and green painted block/head
both consist of original paint. The lack of wear throughout the
engine bay and the condition of the surfaces within it stand as
testament to the 15,628 miles on the odometer, which are believed
to be original to the car. The presence of the original side
curtains is particularly rare and is undoubtedly intriguing for the
Packard connoisseur. Stored in the side pockets of the car for what
appears to have been nearly all of the car's life, the original
all-weather side curtains are in working order and still fit the
car well, remaining in supple condition. Even rarer than the
original side curtain fabric and stitching is the presence of the
sown-in original Eisenglass windows, made of a flammable, fragile
nitrate material and rarely ever lasts intact in modern times given
how quickly it degrades in sunlight.Vehicle No. 185748 is a
multiple concours award winning pre-war preservation car of the
most desirable model specs the Seventh Series Packard line had to
offer. The rare, still vibrant, original paint is accentuated by
the almost unheard of original interior leather, original chrome
and the purest of engine compartments; all from an opulent era of
Packard design now approaching 100 years in age. Born in the most
arduous of times of financial upheaval, this Deluxe Eight Dual Cowl
Phaeton is an impossible to ignore surviving example of America's
desire to push onward and upward via the grand pursuit of luxury in
the face of immense challenge. This special preservation Packard
received a class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in
2021 and in March of 2022 it was given the FIVA award at the Amelia
Island Concours for Best Preservation Vehicle of the entire show.
With the car collecting hobby more and more focused on the true
original and preserved cars, this offering of this desirable
Seventh Series 'time capsule' Packard is a rare opportunity not to
be missed.Design by Ray DietrichPackard Vehicle no. 185748Chassis
no. 185657Engine no. 185910 Exceedingly well-preserved and highly
original Packard in the desirable Seventh Series Multiple
Preservation Class and FIVA Award Winner at major events including
Pebble and Amelia Just 15,628 miles recorded on the odometer, a
figure indeed believed to be actual Desirable Dual Cowl Phaeton
coachwork designed by legendary designer Ray Dietrich Equipped with
many desirable optional extras and offered with the beautifully
preserved original side curtainsPrice: $167,500 $189,500
