Packard 1708 Twelve, 1939 1708 Twelve | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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This luxurious touring sedan sold new for $4,485.00. Only 446 Packard V-12's were built in 1939. All of the V-12's were built on a per-order basis, none left the plant unsold. The 1708 series V-12 Packard had a 139 inch wheelbase. 1939 introduced a transmission refinement to column shift versus the original floor shift of prior years.

This was the last year for the V-12 engine.

This Packard is the generous gift of the Robert Sommers family of Smithfield, VA.

Source - National Packard Museum

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Touring Sedan

1939 Packard V-12, Series 1708, Model 1234. 5 through 7 passengers.

Since 1939 was the last year for V-12 Packard's, All V-12's were manufactured on order only, there were 446 built, of the 86 that were the same model as this, there are only five known survivors.

This car was built for the Japanese Embassy in San Francisco, California. When the Imperial government of Japan bombed Pearl Harbor the car was impounded by the U.S. Government.

After the war, it was sold as war surplus to a farmer in Northern California who drove it for over forty years. He taught his eight children to drive in this car.

The car was later sold to the Disney Corporation for the Queen Mary project. When Disney pulled out, the current owners purchased the car.

The car has been driven on several long distance antique and classic car tours, from Newport, Rhode Island to San Francisco, California and a Canadian/American tour. The engine is a 473 cubic-inch V12 and the last of this type of engine to be built. Also, this is the last extensive use of wood in an inner body construction. All steel body construction was used from this point on. This model was the first to have a column shift. There is a radio in the rear compartment only, clock front and back, jump seats - seats nine people comfortably. For privacy, there is a division window between front and rear compartments. This vehicle has never been restored, repaired - yes, but never restored. Comfortable, quiet, and keeps up with modern day traffic.

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Formal Sedan

Packard Motor Car Company was in business in Detroit, MI from 1899 to 1958. This prestigious Packard Series 1708 V-12 is rare with limited production and is constructed on the relatively short wheelbase of 139 inches. This 5-passenger formal sedan was noted for its blind quarter window and a leather padded roof. The interior features a disappearing divider window, a single jump-seat and mirrored vanity cases. The engine is a 445.5 cubic-inch 12-cylinder that develops 160 horsepower.

This Packard was originally owned by the famous Opera singer Lily Pons and has been part of the Westerman family for 50 years. This automobile is completely unrestored.

The Packard Twelve was produced from 1933 to 1939 with over 35,000 examples produced. It is considered by many to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. The long and flowing front hood hid a 445 cubic-inch side-valve twelve cylinder engine that was refined, powerful, smooth, and quiet.

The engine was originally destined for a front wheel drive project which eventually proved to have weaknesses. That and the anticipated development cost were too much to be practical so Packard decided to scrap the idea. Cadillac had introduced their 16-cylinder engine and other marques such as Pierce-Arrow were improving the performance of their offerings. Packard was feeling the pressure and decided to place the engine into the Deluxe Eight Chassis and dubbed it the Twin Six. The name was in honor of Packard's achievement fifteen years earlier when the introduced their first 12-cylinder engine. By 1933 the name was changed to Twelve to be inline with the rest of the Packard models.

Most of the Packard production Twelve's received factory bodies. Only a handful received custom coachwork by such greats as LeBaron and Dietrich.

In 1935 Packard introduced more horsepower and mechanical improvements. The suspension became more plush and comfortable while the steering became easier to operate. The cars were designed and built as one unit including the fenders, running boards, hood and body.

1936 the final year for 17 inch wire wheels and the double blade bumpers with hydraulic dampers.

Photos grouped by event
31st Annual Ault Park Concours d'Elegance	Walnut Street Invitational Car Show in Shadyside	Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance	2005 BeaveRun Fall Festival
National Packard Museum

1939 Packard 1708 Twelve
Year	1939
Make	Packard
Model	1708 Twelve
Body Style	Touring Sedan
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Production Years for Series	1939
Price	$4,485.00
Weight	5750 lbs \| 2608.2 kg
Combined MPG	0.00

Engine
Engine Configuration	V
	67-degree
	L-Head
Cylinders	12
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	473.00 CU IN. \| 7752.5 cc. \| 7.8 L.
Valves	24 valves. 2 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain	SV
Horsepower	175.00 BHP (128.8 KW) @ 3200.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio	32.9 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	22.4 BHP / Liter
Main Bearings	4
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears	3
Transmission	Manual
	Synchromesh

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1939 Packard 1708 Twelve