Re: Thief-Proof Numbers (body serial numbers)

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/5/30 17:19:22

A wheelbase measurement is necessary to complete the identification; your vehicle number (on the patent plate) identifies you car as a 7th series. It was yet a number of years before Packard built cars according to calendar year, though your car corresponds to 1930. It could be either a model 726 (127-1/2" wheelbase) or a 733 (134-1/2 inch). In either case it is the small 8 cylinder engine (320 cubic inches vs 385 for the larger series) and the model is known as a Standard Eight. The motor # should match the vehicle # so it would appear that your car has had a motor replacement but of the correct year and series. The frame # does not necessarily match the other numbers but is consistent with a 7th series Standard Eight.

On the 726 chassis, only a single body style was available, a 4-dr 5 passenger sedan; this style was known as #403. This was the "volume" car of the year.

On the 733 chassis there were 10 body styles available. The sedan would be a 5-7 passenger and would have jump seats.

About 28,260 7th series Standard Eights were produced between the two chassis and body styles.

And yes, steel disc wheels were available and remained so thru 1934 at least. They were more commonly seen on export cars because of their extreme strength versus wire spoke or wooden spoke.

726 Standard Eights are, in a relative sense, survivors in considerable numbers. I hope you find it an enjoyable car, and please try to keep it as authentic as possible to retain it's value.