Series 733. Body Style 401. 90 bhp, 319.2 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, and four wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 134.5 in.

• Well-presented older restoration

• Excellent automobile for touring

The effects of the stock market crash of October 1929 did not show immediately; Packard sales decreased only modestly in the first quarter of the 1930 model year, but when the model year ended the following August, sales were off by a third. Attractive in medium green with dark green wings and accents, this Standard Eight Phaeton is an older restoration that presents very well. The brightwork is all in good condition, and the tan canvas hood is unblemished. The seats are upholstered in tan leather with the bottom cushions exhibiting just the slightest creasing. Grey carpets line the floorboards, and the steering wheel shows some age, but it has no blemishes or cracks.

The wide whitewall tires are in good condition, with the open side-mounted spares adorned by pedestal mirrors. This car was on display in the Auto & Technik Museum in Sinsheim, Germany, and was formerly part of the Hooper Corporate Collection. Since coming into the current ownership, it has been very well sorted out and driven regularly. The owner states that there were some items related to the ignition that were corrected and that this Packard now starts and runs on its six-volt system, as it did originally from the factory. The vacuum fuel system was not operational and, instead, the car relied on an electric fuel pump; this too has been corrected, in addition to the inspection of the transmission, wheel bearings, and brakes to ensure proper operation. The owner states that it now “runs absolutely fabulously” and “could drive across America.” Those who have driven these Packard phaetons consider them to be the most satisfying cars of their time, and with their trademark smooth, quiet confidence, it is hard to disagree.