In 1930, as Detroit was in the middle of an escalating horsepower race, Packard unveiled the 734 Speedster — an understated high-performance model that is perhaps the finest sporting machine built by an American manufacturer during the Classic Era.
Despite its limited production, the 734 Speedster was offered in five distinct body styles: runabout, phaeton, Victoria, sedan and roadster.
Custom tailored to the dimensions of the high-performance chassis, the Speedster’s body was built in Packard’s own coachworks, where standard bodies were narrowed, sectioned and trimmed to more striking proportions.
While most body styles were conservative, the 2-passenger runabout, with its exotic boattail, minimal top and dramatic staggered seating arrangement, was overtly sporting.
When new, these exclusive cars commanded a list price of more than $5,000 — at a time when a new Ford Roadster cost just $460. The Model 734 Speedster presented here is among the finest in existence and one of the few whose history can be traced back to new.
