1930 boat tail speedster from a rough starting point

Posted by Mike Bartrom On 2016/10/16 7:28:41

Okay I'm starting a new project blog because I didn't like the title

"New member new project"

Going forward. If I follow through and continue to post as I finish this car.... three years from now I won't be a new member and this won't be a new project!

Ok let's start at the beginning... Many years ago my wife and I went to a charity fundraiser at the Auburn, Cord, Duecenburg Museum. Where I fell hard in love with a boat tail speedster. Several years later while at Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale I fell again for a Packard boat tail speedster. Please note these cars are totally out of my league. Besides I like to drive my cars.

Three weeks ago I'm at the Ducktail Run car show in Gas City, IN and I see a really rough Packard sitting at the swap meet. A phone call and some intense negotiations (with my wife) and a deal was done. A week later she's in my backyard shop and the rest is chronicled here.

I have a lot to learn about Packards and this site has been great in this regard. I'm looking forward to getting to know people in this "community" and learn from you all.

I have found out that this is a 1930 standard 8 and it's been modified and pieced together. The rust and rot makes it a great perfect candidate for a restomod. My plan is to rebuild this car to respect the original beauty and fine engineering that this Packard was born with. I will along the way add safety features, styling notes and some hidden modern technology.

Time to head out to the shop.