Packard’s 1930 Model 734 Boat-Tail Speedster series was designed with three things in mind: quality, speed, and style. They were built in Packard’s own new custom body shop located right on the campus of the East Grand Boulevard plant. The successor to the beloved 626 Speedster, the 734 was a low slung machine capable of speeds in excess of 100 miles and hour, a rare feat for its time. The 734 Speedster was offered as a Boattail, Phaeton, Sedan, and Victoria Coupe, with a Roadster body offered later in production.

A total of 150 734 Speedsters were produced in all body styles in 1930; the series was discontinued in 1931. It is believed that thirty-nine Speedster boattails were built, of which only eleven survive.

In 1930… First FIFA World Cup. George Washington dedicated on Mount Rushmore. First diesel automobile trip is completed by Clessie Cummins. The Great Depression caused many businesses to close, and people lost their savings in the stock market crash. Nearly a third of the banking system failed between 1930 and 1933. This led to lower demand for goods and services, which caused businesses to cut back on production and lay off workers. A wave of bank failures began in Louisville, Kentucky in 1930 and spread across the country. Unemployment was 8.% in 1930 and climbing. Cost of a house: $7415. Average income: $1970. Gallon of gas: $0.10. Average new car: $700.