D1-01 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Eight Runabout
Joanie & Scott Kriens, Saratoga, California
From the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d Elegance field guide
The Runabout was described by Packard as a “graceful streamlined torpedo design” and was, of the five body styles offered in the Speedster 734 series, the most sporting edition of all. The Runabout was the only two-seater version of the speedster, with a tapered rear and lowered windshield, adding to its sporty, high-performance, driver-driven persona. The driver’s seat was stationary and forward of the passenger “to ensure easy handling at high speeds.” These speedsters with their powerful Packard Eight engines and special custom-built coachwork, were a one-year-only, limited production model, for “one who loves a swift car for the open road.”
They remain the most revered of all Packards. This Runabout was owned by former Pebble Beach Concours Chairman Glenn Mounger – twice-a testament to it’s significance.
HIGHLIGHTS from Mecum Auctions
only 19 known 1930 Packard 734 Speedsters in existence
Other prestigious collector owners, William Harrah and General Lyon.
While respected for delivering top-quality luxury automobiles, Packard added performance to its many desirable attributes with the release of the lightweight, more-powerful Model 734 Speedster, produced exclusively for 1930. Just 113 produced.
-384/145 HP L-head inline 8-cylinder engine
-Detroit Lubricator dual-throat carburetor
-finned manifolds.
Form Supercars.net
Intended as Packard’s driver’s car, the 734 Speedster was powerful more robust car that outperformed is luxurious counterparts in the Packard range. It’s Speedster name was not descriptive of the body type, but more the high performance nature of the chassis.
Five factory bodies were offered on the 734 Speedster. Runabout with a rumble seat, Boattail Runabout or Phaeton were offered for $5,200. The
Victoria and Sedan bodies cost $6,000.
A redesigned chassis was used for the 734 that used many 6th-series components with custom side rails. It retained the Super Eights wheelbase of 134.5 inches but was more rigid.
The nine-main bearing engine was modified with a ribbed exhaust manifold, vacuum boost pump and a new 45 degree intake that allowed for a hemispherical combustion chamber. An optional 6.0:1 cylinder head used larger valves to produce 145 bhp @ 3400 rpm
Because Packard didn’t actively promote the model, only 113 cars were made across all body styles.
