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. A true Classic Era icon, this 1930 Packard Model 734 Speedster is one of only 19 known examples remaining in existence out of just 113 produced. In the care of two prestigious collector-owners, William Harrah and General William Lyon, for over 50 years, this Speedster maintains exceptional purity, retaining its original body (No. 442-26), engine (No. 184095), steering box, frame (No. 184088) and rear axle. According to its firewall-mounted data plate, this Speedster was delivered on July 7, 1930 by Service and Sales, Inc. in Portland, Oregon, to a Mrs. Sealey. In 1960, the rare Packard was acquired by William F. Harrah, and it became part of his illustrious Reno, Nevada-based car collection for the next 26 years, until the world-famous, multipart dispersal auction of his collection. In addition to a March 1963 Car Life magazine feature, the Speedster was also featured in the Harrah’s Automobile Collection gift shop catalogue and in the Harrah’s Automobile Collection special-edition book written by noted automotive author Dean Batchelor. Early in his ownership, Harrah commissioned a restoration of the Speedster in Salmon and brown livery, which was completed in 1964. In 1986, the Speedster was acquired from the Harrah Collection by General William Lyon for inclusion in his renowned Packard collection, and it remained under General Lyon’s care until 2011. The current restoration was completed after General Lyon sold the car. A prior Classic Car Club of America National First Prize winner, this exceedingly rare Packard Speedster was more recently displayed at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the 2022 St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance. Powering the Speedster is the original 384/145 HP L-head inline 8-cylinder engine, which is equipped with a Detroit Lubricator dual-throat carburetor, high-compression cylinder head and correct finned manifolds. Other mechanical features include the current and visually identical 1931-vintage 4-speed manual transmission and correct Speedster-type finned drum brakes. Desirable accessories include a radiator stone shield, “Daphne at the Well” radiator mascot, Haartz canvas top and restored convertible top frame, black leather seats and red carpeting, and six chrome wire wheels including dual side-mounted spares. The document file accompanying this Speedster includes period images of the car with its original body, before and after the 1964 restoration, as well as registrations issued to Harrah. A true automotive legend, regardless of the era, this 1930 Packard Model 734 Speedster Boattail Runabout is an extremely rare, investment-grade example of sporting Jazz Age grandeur with exceptional provenance and integrity.
