1930 Packard Eight

This 1930 Packard Custom Eight is a Model 740 roadster that was purchased in 1989 by its previous owner, whose 34-year stewardship included a refurbishment that was performed in the 2000s. The car is said to have received an additional mechanical freshening in 2020 before being purchased by the selling dealer in late 2023. Power is provided by a 384.8ci L-head inline-eight that features a nine-main-bearing crankshaft and is mated to a three-speed manual transmission that was fitted with an overdrive unit in 2020. Additional features include a single updraft carburetor, an electric fuel pump, mechanically actuated four-wheel drum brakes, 19” wire wheels, dual side-mount spares, a black convertible top, red interior upholstery, and a rumble seat. This Custom Eight roadster is now offered with a clean Missouri title. The Seventh-Series Packard models were introduced in August 1929 and were divided into Standard, Custom, Deluxe, or Speedster Eight ranges that combined to account for four wheelbase options. The Custom Eight featured a 140.5” wheelbase and could be clothed in one of 11 body configurations including the style 412 two-door, four-seat roadster. This example is said to have received a repaint during the refurbishment performed in the 2000s and is finished in dark green. Features include a bright radiator shell with thermostatically controlled grille shutters, quadruple vents on each side of a centrally hinged hood, cowl lamps, a tilt-out windshield with wind wings, a Goddess of Speed radiator mascot, a wood-trimmed luggage rack, and a black convertible top. Chrome wire wheels are wrapped in 7.00-19 Firestone High Speed tires, as are matching side-mount spares. Stopping is handled via mechanically actuated internally expanding drum brakes at each wheel, with emergency brakes available to act independently on the rear wheels. The brake system is said to have been rebuilt in 2020. The cabin is trimmed in red pleated leather over a two-place bench with matching upholstery over the door panels and rumble seat. Additional features include black carpeting piped in red, door pockets, dual gloveboxes, and a cigar lighter. The four-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of instrumentation including a drum-style speedometer, an oval clock, and gauges monitoring fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 28k miles, approximately seven of which have been added under current ownership. The 384.8ci inline-eight incorporates a single block casting with a detachable cylinder head, side valves, an alloy crankcase, a nine-main-bearing crankshaft, and a single updraft carburetor. Output was factory rated at 106 horsepower. The radiator and starter motor are said to have been rebuilt during the 2020 mechanical refresh, at which time an electric fuel pump was installed. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission that was fitted with an overdrive unit in 2020. Suspension incorporates solid axles, semi-elliptical leaf springs, and hydraulic lever arm shock absorbers at each end, while steering is via worm and sector. The car is equipped with a central lubrication system.