1933 Packard 1005 Twelve Convertible Coupe

There was a major change in Packard styling and chassis design for 1933, which brought across-the-board usage of V-type radiators with thermostatic shutters and painted shells, skirted fenders, and new controlled body ventilation (a concept similar to Fisher Body's 'No-Draft'). V-12 powered Convertibles such as this Series 1005 Custom Twelve were built from 1932 until 1939 and were typically catalogued as Convertible Roadsters.

Packard had re-introduced a twelve-cylinder car in 1932 as the 'Twin Six' but changed that designation to simply the 'Twelve' for 1933 - the Tenth Series Packard.

In the early 1930s, Packard was the most sought-after luxury quality automobile made in America. Dusenbergs were considered equal in quality but cost three to four times as much. This car was the first of the 50 12-cylinder convertible coupes made in 1933, indicated by the serial number 693-11. It was displayed at that year's Chicago Auto Show and was restored in 2005.

The 1005 series Packards were built on a 142-inch wheelbase chassis. Body styles that were offered included this handsome convertible coupe, which was sold new by the famed west coast Packard dealer Earl C. Anthony of Los Angeles. For 1933 only 520 total Packard Twelve models were sold. It's estimated 50 of those were convertible coupes; 16 survive today.

The 1933 V-12 coupe sold new for $4,500. It weighed 5,500 lbs with a 142-inch wheelbase. It came with a 445 cubic-inch engine generating 160 horsepower. There were 50 V-12 Convertible Coupe Roadsters produced in 1933. This car was delivered on January 27, 1933, in Los Angeles, California. It is one of 14 accounted for.

The current owners purchased the car several years ago and are completing a total restoration of the car. It has been a winner at many Concours events throughout the country. The final restoration of this car occurred in 2004-2005. Prior restoration (1984-1987) was limited to 80 percent of the vehicle. Sixteen 1933 Packard Twelve's in this style are registered by the Classic Car Club of America.

This V-12 Convertible Coupe rides on a 142-inch wheelbase, weighs in at 5,160 pounds, and originally cost $4,000.