1914 Packard 3-48 Seven Passenger Touring For Sale in St Louis , 2146380027 Tweet

A milestone moment for Packard arrived in 1911 with the introduction of its first six-cylinder model, known simply as the Six. The powerful, refined Six (later also known as the Model 48 or 1-48) solidified Packards reputation as a luxury car leader known for exceptional quality, performance and ease of operation. Per usual Packard practice, rapid and continual refinement took place, and the Six was soon offered as the 2-48, denoting it as the second series of the Model 48. In advertisements, it was called the Dominant Six boldly announcing Packards intent for the car in this competitive market, while also setting it apart from the Junior Model 38. By 1914, the 3-48 gained electric starting and lighting, while big changes were made to the chassis, which was now standardized with left-hand drive. To accommodate that, the big 525 cubic-inch T-head six was turned 180 degrees in the frame, with intake and exhaust on opposite sides.

The Dominant Six indeed lived up to its name, delivering astonishing performance for such a large car. By 1914, the 3-48 produced 82 bhp and a veritable ocean of torque, and depending on coachwork and gearing, speeds of well over 70 miles per hour were attainable. That year, a Model 48 was driven to an average speed of 70.447 miles per hour during a 29-lap speed trial at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Such performance and quality came at a cost, of course, and the mighty Packard 48 was not a car for the common man. Depending on which of the multitude of bodies was selected, the price ranged from $4,750 to a lofty $6,510.

This spectacular machine is said to be the 12^th Model 3-48 built, fitted with the factorys magnificent 7-passenger tourer body. It is believed to be one of just two known survivors of this chassis and body combination and it has known provenance dating back to 1951. It was then, while on a Glidden Tour, when Bud Catlett, a noted collector, car hunter, and former curator of the world-famous William F. Harrah Collection, discovered this Packard tucked away near Alton, Illinois. He mentioned his discovery to a friend, Gordon Soderman of Sacramento, California, who immediately jumped at the chance to buy the rare and significant Packard.

Soderman owned the car for many years before selling it in 1965 to Glen Goolick of Santa Rosa, California, who held it until 1972. It was then when Don Weber acquired the big Packard, actively using it in brass-era tours and events around the country. In 1976, Weber used the car in the Glidden Tour, and the route that year included a trip up the legendary Pikes Peak! Historian and author Richard M. Langworth, riding along in the 3-48 as a passenger to the 14,000-foot summit, remarked The Packards ascent was a cinch. During Don Webers tenure, this was one of a very select few Packard chosen to appear in the color galleries of Beverly Rae Kimes definitive history book, Packard: A History of the Motor Car and the Company (p.203).

In the early 1990s, Scott Matthews acquired the Packard from Weber and later had the engine rebuilt. He then sold it in 1997 to Marshall Matthews who performed a cosmetic restoration, which was completed in time for Packards centennial celebration at the 1999 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. It joined Otis Chandlers collection in 2004 where it was a fixture of his Vintage Museum of Transportation and Wildlife.

Following the dispersal of the Chandler Collection in 2006, the mighty Packard was acquired by Jon Feiber, who used the car with much enthusiasm on tours and events, reveling in the prodigious torque and power of the big six. The Packard 3-48 has since joined another prestigious private collection, where it has been very much at home among similar significant brass and classic-era automobiles.

Handsomely presented in a period-correct color scheme consisting of a dark red body with black fenders, and bonnet, and sitting on a grand 139 wheelbase chassis, the 3-48 tourer has undeniable presence. The late 1990s cosmetic restoration had aged remarkably well thanks to expert care over the years, and it now maintains a rich character which invites regular use. Equipment includes a black canvas top, folding jump seats in the rear, beautiful button-tufted leather seats, and lots of polished nickel accessories. The mighty six was completely rebuilt in 2025, and is beautifully finished in black enamel with polished copper and brass fittings. With its performance capabilities, it is an ideal choice for Horseless Carriage Club of America tours and gatherings, and the incredible looks are sure to garner much admiration in a show setting.

Any opportunity to acquire a Packard Dominant Six is a rare one, and this marvelous Seven-Passenger Tourer, with its rich and fascinating history, represents a unique chance to add your name to the roster of devoted enthusiasts who have so carefully preserved its legacy.

Offers welcome and trades considered