For 1929, a new version of the Packard inline-eight engine powered the Sixth Series 626 and 633 models. This 320cid, 90hp, “Standard Eight” engine carried over with minor refinements in the Series 726 and 733 lines. Chief among the improvements was a new Detroit Lubricator carburetor replacing the former Packard design, and while output remained unchanged, the new carburetor improved flexibility. Also new for ’30 was a dual-belt water pump, accommodated by a one-inch increase in wheelbase and hood length. A four-speed manual transmission, incorporating a special extra-low gear useful for deep mud or snow, was now standard, along with a convenient one-shot Bijur chassis lubrication system to keep the ride silent and refined.
THE CAR OFFERED
To satisfy its demanding clientele, Packard offered no fewer than ten different open and closed body styles on the 733 Standard Eight chassis. Among the most sporting of those was Style 401, the 4-passenger Phaeton as featured on this car. Wearing a nicely maintained older restoration, this Packard is highly attractive in its two-tone green finish, complemented by a brown interior and beige mohair top. This car features several interesting details, notably the dual rear-mounted spare wheels in place of the more common side-mounts. The rear spares highlight the gracefully sweeping fenders and combined with the optional rear-mounted disappearing windscreen, give this 733 a distinctly purposeful attitude. Other niceties include a single central-mounted Pilot Ray spot lamp, wind wings, Goddess of Speed (aka “Doughnut Chaser”) mascot, color-keyed wire wheels, and folding front windscreen for the ultimate open-air motoring experience. The robust L-head eight is properly finished in Packard Green with black porcelain ancillaries. The engine shows signs of occasional use and is appropriately detailed for a tour-ready example.
Packards of this era are renowned for their quality and superb drivability, and this lovely example would be a welcome participant in Packard Club events or on a CARavan® tour with the Classic Car Club of America.