125 bhp, 384.8 cu. in. L-head eight-cylinder engine, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 134.5"

- Offered from an important private collection

- Coveted boattail Speedster style

- Quality older restoration

The Packard Speedster was the brainchild of chief engineer Jesse Vincent. The first car, a boattailed roadster, was built by shortening and narrowing a runabout body and fitting it to a 126.5-inch wheelbase, 626 Standard Eight chassis. The engine was a 384.8-cubic inch Custom Eight unit, fitted with a high-compression head and high-lift camshaft to produce 130 bhp. Fenders, windshield, bumpers and lamps were removed or modified, lightening the car by 500 pounds. A production version was introduced in February 1929, first as a rumble-seat Roadster, later including a four-passenger Phaeton and a Sedan. Speedsters sold for around $5,000, about twice as much as a Standard Eight, and only 70 are reported to have been built.

For 1930, the Speedster line expanded to include a two-passenger boattailed Runabout and a Victoria, in addition to the Phaeton, Roadster and Sedan. A rumble seat Runabout was made available later in the year. Two engines were offered, a detuned 125-bhp unit or a more powerful 145-bhp version with high compression head, finned manifold, larger valves and a Detroit Lubricator updraft two-barrel carburetor. Top speed was in excess of 100 miles per hour. All cars featured a tachometer, finned brake drums and 19-inch wire wheels, though discs were optional. In concert with other Packards, for 1930 the Speedster received a new four-speed transmission, a redesigned water pump and a new grille with thermostatically-controlled shutters. Speedster production for 1930 was not much greater than in 1929 – just 113 units, after which the model was discontinued. High performance, stunning good looks and extreme rarity have made the 734 Speedster Runabout one of the most highly prized of all Packards today.

Although understood not to be an original 734 Speedster, the example offered here is believed to comprise a number of original Speedster parts. The other parts are either original Packard parts or accurate reproductions. The body is well constructed, and its details accurately match those of original Speedster bodies. The car has been fitted with a standard three-speed transmission and a high-speed rear axle.

Acquired by the current owner, a prominent collector, in 2005, it is finished in a lovely combination of two-tone red with a tan top and tan leather interior. It has benefited from a high-point, full professional body-off restoration, right down to the outstanding engine compartment. Although the restoration was completed some years ago, the quality remains excellent. Underhood detailing is superb and shows little or no evidence of road use since restoration, which corroborates the 30 miles showing on the odometer. This is undoubtedly one of the most attractive speedster-bodied Packards we have ever had the pleasure of offering.

As part of a large private collection, this car has been treated to climate-controlled storage but has seen little exercise in recent years and will require thorough professional inspection before being driven.