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Sold 1937 Packard Twelve 20179188

Overview

1937 Packard Twelve

Price: USD $490,000


In 1937 Packard produced a very respectable 122593 cars a number which they were rightly quite proud of. Of that total however a mere 1300 left the famous Detroit plant with the spectacular twelve-cylinder engine. Period press accolades declared these later series Packard Twelves (1932-1939) as the nearest thing to steam such was their seamless silken and relentless power delivery. The 437 cubic-inch V12 was a beautiful design said to have inspired Enzo Ferrari to power his own cars with 60-degree V12 engines. Producing a full 175 horsepower it equaled that by made by the mighty Cadillac Sixteen. By 1937 the Fifteenth-series Packard Twelve had gained independent front suspension adapted from the Junior models as well as four wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes and a synchromesh transmission making it one of the most satisfying of all pre-war Packards to drive even by todays modern standards. The 1932-1939 Packard Twelves are still considered by many to be among the finest American automobiles ever produced.Packard traditionally eschewed ornate showy bodies in favor of sophisticated style and mechanical superiority and the Twelve was no different. Of the approximately 5800 examples produced most were fitted with coachwork that was sophisticated and stylish but erred toward the conservative side. But a few examples of the Twelve did manage to get into the hands of the more extravagant buyers and were fitted with flamboyant bodies perhaps the best known among these was LeBaron.Inspired by the great 1934 Packard Twelve LeBaron Sport Phaeton this striking 1937 Packard is a genuine 15th Series Twelve wearing custom one-off coachwork and presented in stunning condition. This particular chassis was originally sold by Los Angeles dealer Earl C. Anthony Inc. wearing limousine coachwork. Somewhere along the way the limousine body was removed and never replaced. Many years later the chassis was discovered on the East Coast mechanically complete but missing most of the rear body. The car was purchased by a German collector who commissioned the mechanical restoration as well as the design and construction of the gorgeous body it now wears. The car was handed over to Trevor Hirst Restoration and Coachwork in the U.K. where the chassis was carefully stripped down and alongside the engine fully restored using many genuine parts sourced from American Packard experts.The owner drew his inspiration from the LeBaron Sport Phaeton which was an earlier design than his 1937 chassis posing some issues with proportion and fit which were overcome using sophisticated computer-aided design as well measurements taken directly from a genuine example in California. An intricate ash frame was built to support the skin and the panels were crafted using traditional English coachbuilding techniques. Details such as the windscreen frames door hinges and convertible top frame were engineered and hand built in Mr. Hirsts workshop. The level of detail and quality of the craftsmanship is truly astounding and in spite of the modern time line this is a truly coachbuilt Packard in the most traditional sense.The expert workmanship shines via the beautiful and visually striking metallic indigo paintwork. The modern color suits the flamboyant LeBaron-inspired lines beautifully and the carefully selected light cream interior provides a lovely contrast. It rides on a set of steel wheels with chrome beauty rings and chrome Packard Twelve wheel covers which are mounted with wide-whitewall bias-ply tires for the proper road feel and handling. The chrome plating is executed to concours standards with the big bumpers radiator slats and headlamps presenting in beautiful order.The interior is equally stunning trimmed in high quality cream colored leather on the seats and door panels. Beautiful oatmeal carpets are bound in matching leather and the fit and finish is excellent. The dash is finished to a very high standard in lovely light burl wood with an original Packard Twelve fascia housing modern instruments. The rear cowl hinges upward for easy access to the passenger compartment and the soft top is fully functional covered with a dark blue canvas boot when folded.Mechanically this car was built to be driven. It starts readily and runs strong rewarding the driver with excellent road manners. The specification was enhanced with a large capacity fuel tank as well as a stainless steel exhaust system and the engine is properly detailed in correct Packard Green to original spec. It has been regularly used by the most recent owner and it is reported to be a thoroughly enjoyable car for touring. The quality of the construction and beautiful presentation would surely make it welcome in show events with new coachwork classes or simply an outstanding and gorgeous machine to drive and enjoy with the whole family. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it this is a genuine Packard Twelve in excellent mechanical order wearing a stunningly beautiful body hand built by a gifted craftsman at great expense.
Specifications
  • VIN:
  • Exterior: blue
  • Interior: cream


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Hyman Ltd

Location: St Louis, MO, United States

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