Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

The first totally authentic 1930 Packard 734 speedster since the unrestored roadster was sold several years ago, will be going up for auction at the Gooding & Co. auction this coming weekend.
goodingco.com/car/1930-packard-734-speedster-phaeton

I think it's horrible and doesn't look anything like a new Packard. Those wheels look like Judge Judy's worst nightmare.

Of course who am I to judge when I can't afford that stuff?

I'm with you. There have been two Speedster restorations for which I was looking forward to seeing, and I was disappointed in both. The first was Jack Nethercutt's victoria coupe, which was painted like a clown car, and the second was this phaeton, which would have looked much better without the chrome wheels (I would have kept the discs, with which it was delivered), and the weird two-tone treatment doesn't work. I can't think of ANY car of that period that looks good with the fenders painted in a lighter color than the body. Tom Kerr did a great job restoring his Speedster phaeton, as did Don Sears. I can't wait to see Bill Vacarro's car, as I know that is being done perfectly.

It will also be interesting to see what Fran Roxas has done with Groendyke's car, which was bought last year at one of the Pebble Beach auctions. Color change????? (hopefully)???

West, I don't know that I agree that I'd go with disteel wheels or that they were the correct original wheels, but I sure agree about the colors. At worst they should have been flip-flopped. Jepson's 734 phaeton was two-toned gray in the manner suggested, was it not?

Agreed re the wheels and paint treatment.

I've never understood why phaetons and roadsters lasted as long as they did. Summer/warm weather use only?

Let me add that I love the way they look! But as far as practicality....

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Disc wheels is what it came with, according to the listing. As far as Speedsters coming with discs, there are factory photos showing disc wheels.

Jepson's car was two-ton gray, but only the hood and rocker covers were lighter. The rest of the car was the same color as the fenders, if I remember correctly.

Jepson's car. Sidemounts improve the car's looks a LOT.
Both photos taken by me, while on CCCA CARavan. First one was in the 1960s, second was in the mid-1980s, I believe.

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As far as Speedsters coming with discs, there are factory photos showing disc wheels.

West, are you saying Speedsters couldn't have come from the factory with wire spokes? That discs were the only available wheel?

I think you'll be thrilled when you see Billy Vacarro's 734 at Pebble next week! As you know I've been following that restoration regularly.

PS - re George's phaeton, if you ever rode ahead of him in a parade and he blasted that monstrous air horn, you'd follow him the next time.

Funny 'bout the air horn. I'm sure what you say is true.
Regarding wire wheels. I was only saying you had a choice. The car at auction this weekend had discs originally.

Way in the back of my mind i THINK? i remember a period photo of a Speedster with light colored fenders and dark body sitting on a show room floor. Ring a bell with anyone?