Hello Friends and Family,
Link to this year's index by clicking here.
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum, Part 5 |
One of the jewels of the collection is this 1930 Packard Model 740 Fire Truck. 1930 was the first full production year after the beginning of the Great Depression. Packard only produced 28,386 vehicles compared to the previous model year's total of 47,855. |
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The Fire Truck is powered by a 8-cylinder, 385 cu. in. engine with 4-speed transmission. The original cost was $3,375.00. Note that the optional wooden wheels cost an extra $110 for the set.
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That's one fine set of wheels! |
It was introduced at the 1932 National Auto Show in New York City. The show was exciting but the glitz and glamour could not hide the malaise hanging over the auto industry due to the economy. |
This model year was the first with a push button starter on the dash. This vehicle also featured ride control operated by the driver, dual windshield wipers, chrome wire wheels, "Trippe" driving lights and burled wood dashboard. |
Last on the tour for this week is a 1934 Packard Model 1100 5-Passenger Sedan. It is powered by an 8-cylinder, 319.2 cu. in. engine with 3-speed transmission. This year marked the peak of the four-square classic era design. The company's international business continued to flourish prompting a boast in the company catalog, "Rest your finger anywhere on a slowly revolving globe and there you will find a Packard". Packard was the first automotive manufacturer to fully recognize the consumer's desire for a "radio receiving set" installed in an automobile. Today with even the cheapest car featuring an audio system, it is hard to imagine that early autos lacked even the most basic radio. With the 1934 model year, Packard installed Philco radios in 30% of the vehicles they produced — at a cost of $79.50 each.
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To be continued... |
Life is good.
Aloha,
B. David
P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com