Re: Packard 740 mystery

Posted by TJH On 2022/5/5 11:44:31

Mr. Cole makes some excellent observations about proportions Packard designers changed with the 8th series. Also, with the 8th they added an inch of height to the windshield with a different frame and posts for more headroom. Other instrument panel changes are glove box doors, the chrome across the bottom of the panel and the woodgrain finish. Steering wheel as noted is three spoke versus the "heavier" four spoke on the 7th. The 8th has wider front and rear springs, different manifolds with a small increase in power. A fuel pump versus the vacuum tank on the firewall. A four speed non-synchromesh transmission with "short throw" from 3rd to 4th. Seat cushion upholstery is slightly different. Wire wheels have hubcaps different from a 1932 but of the same diameter as on the 9th series. Disc wheels have larger screw on caps. Plus a few other changes.
A few years ago, I saw this interesting car, but couldn't decide how the fenders were changed. Were original 745 or 840 fenders shortened, and/or did they shorten the running boards? In any event it has the more graceful sloping fenders versus the original "spoon" shaped ones of a 740. Interesting discussion.
Tom Hartz