1930 Packard 734 Speedster Eight Phaeton
- Engine
- 6.3L (384.8 cu in) straight-eight with hemispherical ports, dual-throat carburetor, optional high-compression head, ~145 bhp
The 1930 Packard 734 Speedster Eight phaeton (vehicle number 184101) is one of only five known surviving examples of this body style from an estimated production of around 32. Engineered by Colonel Jesse Vincent as a genuine performance machine capable of exceeding 100 mph, it was delivered new to Sanford Cluett of Cluett-Peabody fame. The car subsequently passed through several notable enthusiast owners, including long-time Packard collector Tom Mix, before entering the private museum of Fred Guyton. Following acquisition in 2019, a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration was completed to concours standard, earning First in Class at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,000,000 – US$1,400,000
- 1930-05-17 → 1951Factory deliverySanford Cluettfull documentation
Delivered new via Rochester dealer L.R. Mack; Cluett was associated with the Arrow shirt manufacturer Cluett-Peabody. Car remained with him until 1951.
- 1951 → 1958Acquisition unknownVictor Mionpartial documentation
Teenage owner based in Schenectady at time of acquisition.
- 1958 → 1959Acquisition unknownJames H. Kellogg-Clarkepartial documentation
Buffalo-based owner; held the car for approximately one year.
- 1959 → 2006Private saleTom Mixfull documentation
Proprietor of Foreign Motors dealership in Boston and prominent early Packard collector; drove the car extensively with family, exhibited it at shows, and lent it for publication in a noted Packard history. The car featured on his funeral program at his death in 2006.
- 2006 →InheritanceMix estatepartial documentation
Car passed to the estate following Tom Mix's death in 2006; subsequently sold to Fred Guyton.
- → 2019Private saleFred Guytonfull documentation
Noted collector who kept the car in his private museum for roughly thirteen years; relinquished it only at his death, with the estate selling it in 2019. Ownership period documented by correspondence and invoices preserved in the history file.
- 2019 →Private saleCurrent ownerfull documentation
Commissioned a thorough, high-standard restoration using specialist craftsmen across multiple shops; the car had never been disassembled despite three prior repaints. Restoration now complete and car shown at concours level.
Competition
- 20232023 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance1st in class
First competitive outing following completion of the restoration.
- 2024-03-01ModaMiami 20241st in class by peer vote
Second showing post-restoration; class winner chosen by fellow exhibitors rather than judges.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2019Inspection
A detailed inspection carried out at time of acquisition confirmed original factory stampings throughout, including on door saddle trim undersides, firewall tag, and frame Sales Order number.
Informed the scope of the subsequent full restoration.
- 2019RestorationConsignor's own shop (mechanical); Harold's Hot Rod Shop (bodywork/paint); RM Auto Restoration (upholstery/top); Dan Sommer (wheels/radiator shell/mascot); John Wright (chrome plating)
A comprehensive, thoroughly researched restoration was undertaken to the highest concours standard. Mechanical work was handled by the consignor's own workshop, with guidance from Packard specialist Ted Davis. Paint was matched to surviving factory finish found on fender undersides and frame rails. A small section of cowl wood was replaced while the remaining original structural timber was retained. Interior upholstery and hood were renewed, and wheels, radiator shell, and mascot were expertly refurbished. Full chrome plating was carried out throughout.
Research assistance provided by Packard specialist Ted Davis. Dennis Francis of Cushing, Oklahoma replaced the small cowl wood section. Gearbox was rebuilt using late Eight Series gears to improve everyday drivability; front axle is unnumbered and considered a replacement.
- —Bodywork
The car was repainted on three separate occasions by prior owners, though it was never fully disassembled during any of these episodes.
Confirmed by the current owner upon acquisition.
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