385 cu. in. straight eight

130 BHP @ 3000 rpm

3-speed manual transmission

126” wheelbase

Not offered for sale

In 1927, Jesse Vincent, head of Packard Engineering, was given permission to build a special speedster to demonstrate the abilities of the 2 1/2 mile banked oval at the newly-constructed Proving Grounds. He used the opportunity to construct this wonderful car, which was used not only to impress celebrities and dignitaries, but to serve as a testbed for much of the Speedster-series drivetrain parts. It was constructed using the lightest single-six chassis, the largest (and highly modified) straight eight engine, and a special lightweight and aerodynamic aluminum body. It was clocked at over 129 mph on the oval track, and was often used by Vincent to commute from his home on Grosse Pointe! In 1929, Charles Lindberg drove the car at 112 mph, saying it was the fastest he had ever gone “…on the ground.”

In 1928…

Penicillin is discovered.

Bubble gum is invented.

Chrysler and Dodge Brothers merge.

Cost of a new house: $4,250

Average yearly wages: $1,490

Gallon of gas: $0.21

Average cost of a new car: $600

Donated by Carl Schneider