Overview: 1930 Packard 745 Deluxe Eight Roadster

 

In 1929, Packard Motor Company introduced the 626 Speedster, a fenderless, road-going near-racing machine that upped the ante for the timeless luxury and understated elegance that earlier Packard models represented.  With the onset of the Great Depression settling into the early 1930’s, Packard would produce only cars positioned for the upper class society that could afford to buy them.  This particular model, a 1930 745 Deluxe Eight, is a prime example of one such high-society automobile. 

 

Packard models produced in 1930 were available in numerous body styles that would suit any buyer’s needs and desires.  These models included the 733, the 734, the 740 Custom Eight, and the 745 Deluxe Eight.  Production totals varied by model for this year, with 12,531 733’s produced; 6,200 model 740’s produced; and only 113 734’s produced.  As for this particular car, the total production of the 745 Deluxe Eight for 1930 is 1,789.

 

Features new to all Packard models produced in 1930 include a centralized chassis lubrication system, front wheel brakes, four-speed transmission, shatter-proof laminated windows, and hypoid rear axle. The Packard 740 Custom Eight and the 745 Deluxe Eight were powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch engine that produced 106 horsepower. The 740 rode on a wheelbase that measured 140.5-inches while the 745 rested on a 145.5-inch platform. New for this year was the four-speed transmission and a 4.69 rear axle ratio. Dual mounted spare tires were standard on the 745 while it was an option on the 740. 

This 1930 Packard Roadster has seating for four and carried a $4885 price tag. The eight-cylinder 384.8 cubic-inch engine was good for over 100 horsepower. This was the same engine that would power Packard's until the 1950s. It was renowned for its reliability, power, and smooth operation.

 

Sources:

Conceptcarz.com

Carfolio.com