The 1907 Packard Model 30 was the company’s flagship model. It was higher in the Packard lineup than the Model 18, and from 1907 to 1908 it was the only model of the company. This car was produced at the same time with 1906 Ford Model K and 1909 Cadillac Model 30.
Under the hood of the Packard Model 30 is a four-cylinder engine. By the way, – this is the last four-cylinder car in the history of the company.
The same number of cylinders had and Cadillac, released in 1909, but the above-mentioned Ford had six cylinders, a little higher power and was cheaper. Yes, – Packard would later produce the legendary Twin Six, – the car with the highest number of cylinders of any production car. But this was 1907 – the first production car with an electric starter was still 5 years away (and it was a Cadillac), and the Twin Six was 8 years away.
The 1907 Packard Model 30 was not the most powerful car of its day, but it was a very high quality car. Therefore, it cost no small amount of money and was highly prized among motorists of those years.
Price and value of 1907 Packard Model 30.
A new 1907 Packard Model 30 could be bought for 4200 – 5700 dollars. It was an expensive car. Even the Twin Six was not much cheaper. Of course, when comparing the cost of these two cars, you have to take inflation into account to be fair.
Nowadays on Bonhams aukitsone the cost of 1907 Packard Model 30 in good condition is 200 – 300 thousand dollars. I’ve seen examples for $70,000. The price is completely determined by the condition and degree of restoration of the car.
Appearance, photos, dimensions.
Gathering information about this Packard, I saw a review of the car with still native body coloring. Examining the photo you may notice the kerosene-powered taillight. There are two more kerazine lamps mounted just below the windshield. Rushmore’s main headlights are powered by acetylene gas. This is supplied from a cylinder mounted behind the front, left wing.
The wheelbase of the standard Model 30 is 123.5d. In 1908 the wheelbase became longer and the frame was lowered. The vertical, windshield and wooden, wheel rims are in keeping with the spirit of the period. Two spare tires with metal rims are mounted on the right side of the body.
In 1908, a new radiator grille with a new radiator cap was added. The Packard Model 30 is started with a curve starter, which is secured with a special, leather strap. A special lever located nearby had to be removed before the curved starter could be operated. In 1909, a new honeycomb radiator and a 4-gallon reserve fuel tank were added.
On the right side there is a klaxon, which is shaped like a ram’s horn. Also on the right side, behind the spare tires, you can see the switch that turned on and off the power supply from the batteries. On the left side of the body can be seen a brass plate with the inscription, – Body made By motor car co.
In addition to the rear, duffel box, additional boxes are mounted on the side running boards. At that time, such a technique was used by other car manufacturers.
Interior and equipment.
Do you see glass cones on a partition of engine and saloon compartment? I would never have guessed the purpose of these flasks, if the owner of such a Packard had not told me about their purpose. They serve as an indicator of the oil system.
The thing is that before starting the engine, with the help of a special pump located in the engine compartment, it is necessary to pump oil to the main bearings. When engine oil begins to flow through these flasks, it means that the main bearings have received the desired amount of lubrication.
The steering wheel here is on the right side, which was normal for American cars of the time. The transmission lever and parking brake lever are under the driver’s right arm, outside the passenger compartment.
The klaxon pear is mounted in the same area. Note that it is labeled Packard. The throttle lever is on the steering wheel, which was also normal for cars of the time. Very unusually, the temperature gauge and ammeter are mounted in the pedal area. The tape speedometer and clock are mounted slightly below the steering wheel.
Among the equipment in the 1907 Packard Model 30 is a variable speed fan. Note the brass stripes on the interior polish. Closed-body cars were equipped with talking tubes.
Two additional guard seats could be installed in the rear.
Engine and specifications of the 1907 Packard Model 30.
The four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 431.9 cubic inches (7078 cubic centimeters) produces 30 horsepower at 650 rpm. By the way – the hood itself is tightened with leather straps and secured with brass latches.
I’ve never seen this before, but there are special switches on the spark plugs. And if such a switch is turned off, the candle will not work. From the photo you can notice the 2 ignition distributor caps.
1907 Packard Model 30 is equipped with a three-speed gearbox. Semi-elliptic leaf springs were the norm for cars of the time. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels, via a driveshaft. The brakes are mechanically operated drum brakes on the rear wheels only.
It’s a very interesting car. For example, I was surprised by the oil pumping system to the main bearings and the switches on the spark plugs. This is one of the most expensive and posh cars of its time. And it’s amazing. I think I understand the people who buy and own cars like this today, because they are wonderful.
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