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.
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