Automotive Historics - American Idol On The Block

MELBOURNE – May 23, 2012: An American idol born in the Great Depression will cross the block at Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction on Monday, June 4.

In 1930 the Packard 733 with its ultra-smooth and advanced 90HP L-head straight-eight engine and very high build quality was the epitome of motoring sophistication.

Entering the 1930s, Packard attempted to beat the stock market crash and subsequent American Depression by manufacturing ever more opulent and expensive cars than it had previously.

Perhaps the most stylish and sought-after of the 12,531 seventh-series Packards built was the ‘6 Wheel Equipped’ Roadster, which came with matching spare wheels recessed into each of its two flowing mudguards.

Shannons has a superb 1930 example of this Roadster for sale at its June 4 auction.

Formerly part of the Rick Wolany Collection for some 15-plus years, it was on display in Wolany’s Toyota and Lexus Werribee, Victoria showrooms for some time and little used.

In 2010, Wolany commissioned a complete rebuild of the Packard’s 319-cubic inch straight-eight engine, with many of the parts sourced from the US, including the correct green paint hue for its crankcase.

The car has since been used sparingly by its subsequent, current owner.

Based on their long history of selling Pre-War Packards of this calibre, Shannons expect this very desirable and collectible 733 Roadster to sell in the $110,000-$130,000 range.