With new styling overseen by famed designer Raymond Dietrich, the Seventh Series Packard models debuted on 29 August 1929 sporting lower, sleeker lines and the beautifully flowing front fenders so emblematic of the Classic Era. New headlamps and the repositioning of the lights from the cowl to the front fenders were other notable stylistic changes. Though a host of custom bodies were available from the finest coachbuilders of the era, most Packards wore factory production bodies. Well-built, shockingly smooth, and overly luxurious, even these were frighteningly expensive, selling for the price of a nice house in 1930.

Among the most desirable Packard body styles available in the Seventh Series was the two-door roadster, a classic open model with expansive seating for two and auxiliary space for two more in the rear rumble seat. So emblematic of the 1930s Classic Era, these dashing and well-proportioned roadsters were must-haves for country estates and summer homes throughout the United States.

According to its firewall plate, the car was originally delivered by the Sharpe Motor Company of Chicago on 3 May 1930. It is believed to have been restored in 1975 and, afterward, was for some years part of the renowned Pennsylvania collection of the late Ray Bowersox, who displayed it regularly in Classic Car Club of America events. Mr. Bowersox sold the Packard in 1990 to noted Swiss enthusiast Hans Lüscher, who maintained it as part of his small, select collection of well-restored CCCA Full Classics for over a decade. Finally, in 2002, it was released from the Lüscher collection, returned to the United States, and after several years and a light cosmetic freshening in California, was acquired for the collection of its current owner.

Showing patina to its black and yellow finish and brown leather interior, the Packard is still quite charming, with an abundance of accessories including the famous “Adonis” radiator mascot, stone guard, dual Pilot Ray driving lights, cowl lights, and side-mounted spares. It is the showy embodiment of its jazzy age, a wonderful treat for a new owner to enjoy on tours or at shows this coming year.