Signature 1:18 1930 Packard 734 Boattail Speedster

Here’s Signature’s second crack at a Packard Boattail speedster. This time they actually call it a 734, which led me to believe they’d corrected the chassis snafu that plagued the “745” and I confidently bought it, assuming it would have the proper, racy stance it should have. More on that later.

On the surface this is in many ways one of the loveliest display pieces Signature has issued in some time. Based on an actual, extant car, many details have been lovingly attended to. To start with, the fit and finish are superb and the color scheme quite fetching. The wire wheels are among the most refined yet from Signature and the blackwall tires give the car a classy yet racy look. The engine has been spruced up considerably. The big straight eight, while obviously borrowing the mold from previous 745s is appropriate in this car and has been painted and chromed to bring out the wiring and the individual components in a way that holds your attention to a far greater degree than earlier versions; it really looks good, if not quite 100% accurate.

Perhaps the most arresting feature of the model is the light group, which is nothing short of stunning. This car has the uniquely beautiful Woodlite headlights and parking lights, a set of pilot ray lights (meant to turn with the steering wheel) and a brace of light bar bumpers, all superbly replicated. The interior is flocked and the wheel and dash are excellent. The convertible top is much better done than on Signature’s last Packard boattail and has a convincing texture, nicely painted trim and snaps and a good representation of the folding mechanism. Unlike the last model, this one looks best with the top up (a good thing, since it’s glued in place). The wind wings are moveable and the Goddess of Speed ornament is outstanding. Signature has even managed to put a miniature Packard crest at the top of the mesh stone guard covering the radiator.

Now for the bad news: the same chassis used for both the stately 745 Brewster and LeBaron Packards and (erroneously) on the prior boattail has been pressed into service again! This completely distorts the lines and down-at-the-rear raciness of the car. The side mounts are properly surmounted by mirrors, but no attempt has been made to replicate the leather tie downs of the original. Instead, we have the unceremonious re-use of the mirror modules used on both 745s and the first speedster. The otherwise excellent interior is marred by a lack of upholstery between the staggered seats, making the protruding metal bar between them look ominously like a guillotine.

And finally, there’s the issue of price. Like Yat Ming and Sun Star, two other companies known primarily for their low-priced models, Signature recently launched its own midprice line, dubbed “Charlestown Collectibles.” But unlike YM’s Signature Series and Sun Star’s Platinum Collection, Signature’s new line contains virtually no discernible increase in content, improvement in build quality or accompanying literature to justify its $50 price tag. The only obvious differences are a bigger plastic display base and the inclusion of an (admittedly quite handsome) ornate commemorative medallion. The series was launched last year with a ’41 Packard Darrin, and the same can be said of it. The best Signature models have always been among the finest in the budget price range in terms of subject matter, detail and excellence of fit and finish. The added expense of the new Charlestown line is simply impossible to justify, in my opinion.

So what we have here is a very mixed bag: at first blush, a fine display piece adorned with many striking exterior details, superbly executed. Casual collectors who love cars from this period and are not put off by the high price and distorted shape (largely mitigated by viewing the model from the front at a foreshortened three-quarter angle) will enjoy this model. Many Packard experts, frankly, will be put off. Judge for yourself, but I think Signature should rethink this product line and consider new tooling for cars like this that demand it. Three-and-a-half stars for the subject matter and exterior detail. Even with its flaws, it does look wonderful on the shelf.

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