Produced in from August 1929 forward, the Custom Eight was offered as an upgrade from the Standard Eight and had a longer wheelbase. It came in a variety of standard bodies including 15 from the Individual Custom Line by LeBaron, Brewster, Rollston and Dietrich.
The Seventh Series Packard received very few updates from the 1929 models. The same Inline-8 engine was used with a new Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor and a 3-speed gearbox with a gated low speed. Called low-low the gated gear was meant to make launches easier, but it wasn’t needed and rarely used.
To distinguish the Standard Eight from the longer Custom Eights, a different hood was used that had four cooling doors.
1930 Packard Custom Eight 740 Gallery
See full 1930 Packard Custom Eight 740 Gallery here
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | USA |
| production | 6200 |
| engine | Inline-8 w/L Head |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| displacement | 6300 cc / 384.4 in³ |
| bore | 88.9 mm / 3.5 in |
| stroke | 127.0 mm / 5 in |
| power | 67.1 kw / 90 bhp @ 3200 rpm |
| specific output | 14.29 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Ladder-Type Chasis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 7.00×19 |
| rear tires | 7.00×19 |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
1930 Packard Custom Eight Model 740 Phaeton – The Packard Model 740 Custom Eight Phaeton offered here was delivered new to its first owner on June 20, 1930. Finished in black with brown upholstery and a beige folding top, it was treated to a restoration by marque expert Don Sommers and careful storage within the prominent collection of the late John M. O’Quinn. It features many desirable period features that make it a standout among its peers. Among them are six chrome wire wheels, full metal side-mount covers, period sport driving lights, senior-series Trippe lights and jeweled headlights, Packard-scripted mirrors, a radiator stone guard and a fold-down rear windscreen with wind wings. Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions
Keyword: 1930 Packard Custom Eight 740