Packard Twelve, 1936 Twelve Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

Overview

View more photos
Engine Num: 904080

Packard's introduction of their twelve cylinder engine in 1915 is said to have been inspired by the Sunbeam V12 race car. The engine, dubbed the twin-six, was produced until 1923.

A completely new twelve-cylinder engine was introduced on January 9th of 1932 and brought with it many changes, such as a larger displacement size. It was designed to operate with a three-speed gearbox and was suited for large and luxurious automobiles that needed to outpace their competition, in keeping with Packard tradition as a leader in the American car market.

The 1930s was a tough time for automobile producers due to the Great Depression and stiff competition. Cadillac and Marmon introduced sixteen-cylinder engines, and Lincoln had their powerful V12, to name a few.

The Great Depression also brought about the realization that a smaller, less-powerful Packard was needed to stimulate sales and increase cash-flow. Packard began with a wheelbase that measured 120-inches, outfitted it with an eight-cylinder engine, and styling characteristics of a Packard. The wheelbase size was used for its name, the 120. The success from this endeavor gave Packard the financial stability to continue its pedigree of being one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers.

For 1936, little changed from the prior year. The Series Fourteen cars of 1936 were given a Delco-Remy ignition system and the trademark radiator was sloped an additional five degrees. Chrome strips were added to the head lights. A total of 682 examples of the V12s were produced.

This 1936 Packard V12 Speedster was created in the 1980s using 1936 Twelve running gear and a body style similar to the Auburn Boattail Speedsters. The black and turquoise livery matches the elegant and flamboyant design cues such as the teardrop style fenders and boattail configuration. It is an Art-Deco themed car, in the style of a Auburn 852, with a slight identity crisis.

Before being brought to Christie's auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center', it was in the same collection for nearly two decades. It has an older restoration that has aged very gracefully. The V12 L-head engine displaces 473.3 cubic-inches and produces 175 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and vacuum assisted hydraulic drums on all four corners. It was estimated to sell between $200,000 - $400,000 with the final sale price being $346,500 including buyers premium.

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
Christie's Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center	2005 BeaveRun Fall Festival	2005 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance

Vehicle Spotlight