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

I'm doing some research on the speedsters that Packard produced in the late 1920s-early 30s.

I read about the 626, the 734, and then the 1106 speedster line of cars. There is some mention in the Kimes Packard book of a Twin Six, but no details er whether it was just a style experiment or an actual production model that sold prior to the 1106 Speedster Twelve.

Does anyone out there have more info on these models? Or a book ref? Or a resto shop that focuses on these, has info, etc. I'd appreciate a contact or some clues on this puzzle.

Thanks!
=rds

My dad has owned a real 1930 Model 734 speedster for more than 35 years. I could probably answer your questions.
There are two 1929 626 Speedsters known to exist, plus two prototypes are known to exist.
There are roughly a dozen all-authentic 1930 Model 734's that exist, but that includes five different body styles: coupe-victoria (1), sedan (2), phaetons (5?), roadsters (3), and boattails (~8, plus a bunch of reproductions)
West Peterson
StelvioGT@yahoo.com

At least on 734 made it down here to Australia. A local car enthusiast who owned and drove a large number of fine cars during his life, wrote of his motoring experiences in an article in a local club magazine. The story began as follows:

The best car I ever drove in its time and place was a 1931 Packard 734 Roadster. This was sports car with 134 HP engine, 320 cu ins, straight eight. It had magnificent brakes,4 speed synchro gearbox and hydraulic shock absorbers adjustable from the drivers seat, back and front. I drove it in a couple of Light Car Club trials in 1934 and 1935. You could through this big car around with ease. I followed a J2 MG which was the latest thing in sports cars and he couldn't get away from me on the twisty bits. I took him easily on the first straight. Yet it would go anywhere in top gear. Truly a wonderful car.]

I am not sure about the synchro gear box however this was written nearly 50 years after he drove the Packard. I met the author around the time of the story, he was a very rational man and an engineer.

David

It must have been modified. Hardly anything he wrote sounds correct. While it might have been titled as a 1931, there were no 1931 speedsters.
It wouldn't have had a syncro gear box,
the engine had a displacement of 385cid,
horsepower would have been 145,
hydraulic shock absorbers, (adjustable???)

It sure would be interesting to know what happened to the car, as well as knowing more about its modifications.

I guess his memory was colored by time. He wrote about a very large number of diverse cars, I certainly would not remember all those details 50 years later. We will never know whether it was in fact a 734 given the other errors, maybe it was a 740 and the other features belonged to the many other cars he owned or drove. I have never heard of a surviving 734 in Australia - pity.

Hey, guys:

Thanks for the replies and info. West, I will contact you shortly per your info you might have pertaining these cars.

I would like to see an existing model if there is one in the US that is operating that is close to me in NC. In addition, I think it would be cool to see the Macauley concept car up close!

=rds