Packard Model 30 (series U)

The Packard Model 30 frequently also called Model U, was a four-cylinder car built in several series from 1907-1912. Together with the smaller Model 18 (1908-1912), it was Packard's last four-cylinder automobile. Model 30 was Packard's lone offering for 1907 and 1908. It established Packard as a luxury car maker, and was replaced by the Packard Six.

See also: Packard Model 30

Model history

The Packard Model 30 was a four-cylinder car with both closed and open bodies. Prices at introduction started with $4200 for open models and went up to $5500 for the limousine and $5600 for the landaulet.[1][2] A 1911 Four-door Landaulet cost $5,750.[3] Standard equipment included oil lamps, a tool kit, and two extra demountable rims. The closed cars also included speaking tubes, adjustable ventilators, and a dome light that had a separate battery. There was a speedometer and an air-pressure gauge. Wheelbase was 123 1/2" for the standard chassis.

Engine and drivetrain

The Packard Model 30 had a water-cooled, four-cylinder, T-head engine with a calculated rating of 30 hp (A.L.A.M.) at 650 rpm.[4][3] displacing 431.9 cubic inches (7078 cubic centimeters)[1] with a bore 5 in (127 mm) and a stroke of 5.5 in (139.7 mm).[2]

A plate clutch was blocked with the engine. Power was transmitted by a long shaft with universal joints to the three-speed sliding-gear manual gearbox with reverse. This was located in a housing at the rear axle which also contained the differential. The car used shaft drive from the beginning, although many other high-powered cars at this time relied on double-chain drive.

In 1909, redesigned linkage in the transmission made it possible for the reverse gear to be activated with the regular gear-shift. Since 1904, all Packards had had a separate lever for the reverse gear.[5]

Chassis

The ladder-type frame used semielliptical leaf springs front and rear. Steering included now ball bearings instead of roller types, and featured a Pitman arm in front of the front axle.[1][2]

Brakes were mechanical on the rear wheels only, working either by pedal (external contracting) or lever (internal expanding). Following the owner's manual, either was sufficient for stopping under normal conditions.[6][7]

References

1. packardinfo.com: Model Information/1907
2. packardclub.org: Encyclopedia/1907
3. Directory Index: Packard/1911_Packard/1911_Packard_Owners_Manual
4. American Automobiles of the Brass Era
5. Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
6. Owner's Manual 1911, pp. 92-93
7. Owner's Manual 1911, p. 28