1908 Packard Model Thirty Gentlemens Roadster

The Packard Model Thirty was a very significant car for Packard, taking the company from the introductory years of the automobile into the 1910’s, helping to further solidify Packard as one of the finest automobile manufacturers in the world. The Model Thirty was a top seller for many years and was offered in a number of different body styles throughout production, allowing Packard to design a range of different cars for clients around the world. This Model Thirty was originally sold in New York and has remained in the state since new, owned by significant collectors such as James Melton, Samuel Scher and Richard Paine. 

Stories of Willie K. Vanderbilt have passed through time of his adventures on Ocean Drive here in Newport, treating the road like his personal racetrack. One story even describes Willie K. driving the entire road backwards at one point, which surely pleased locals. While Willie K. didn’t personally own a Model 30, this Gentlemen’s Roadster is unquestionably a sports car you might have seen on Bellevue Avenue in the early 20th century, a direct competitor with the Mercer Runabout. The Gentlemen’s Roadster is the more athletic sibling of Packard touring cars of the time, with the same running gear on a smaller chassis. 

Packard began to gain traction in the industry when they introduced the company’s first four-cylinder engine in 1904. In the same year, Packard also set up the first factory auto engineering school, with regular classes for employees, and soon after a one-month course in car maintenance and repair to Packard owners and chauffeurs. The company was making great strides, though the industry was evolving quickly as well.

Even with the introduction of the cheaper Model Eighteen, the Model Thirty was Packard’s most popular car for the entirety of its production run from 1907 to 1912. The now trusted four-cylinder engine provided plenty of power for the entire lineup of Packard’s, especially the smaller and lighter roadster. While many owners decided on the larger touring bodies to be driven in, enthusiasts chose the sporty roadster to drive themselves. 

Specifications:

Engine: 7.1 Liter Inline Four-Cylinder (Two Valves per Cylinder)
Horsepower: 30 @ 800 RPM 
Transmission: Three-Speed Manual 
Top Speed: 65 MPH