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1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six news, pictures, and information

Convertible Victoria Dietrich
Coachwork: Dietrich
 
Packard re-entered the multi-cylinder race in 1932 with its second-generation Twin Six lineup. This Convertible Victoria styled by Ray Dietrich was a handsome part of the catalogued lineup. The new 445 cubic-inch V12-powered series found only 549 buyers in the tough 1932 depression year luxury car market.
Sport Phaeton
Coachwork: Dietrich
Chassis Num: 900441
 
High bid of $250,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell)
For 1931, America was deep in the Great Depression, while Packard remained at the top of the luxury car market. Even with this prestigious title, its future was uncertain. It remained in good financial health but it was difficult to predict what the result of the Great Depression would have on the economy.

To remain competitive and in business, Packard introduced a lower-priced Light Eight, while the standard and Deluxe Eight models remained mostly unchanged with a slightly longer wheels. Packard focused much time and attention on the top-of-the-line models, trying to ward off the advancements of other marques such as Cadillac and Lincoln.

The new Twin Six, upper-class models, were available on the Models 905 and 906. They had wheelbases measuring 142.5-inches (for the 905) and 174-inches (Model 906).

The Twin Six engine displaced 445.5 cubic-inches and produced 160 brake horsepower at just 3,200 RPM. It was the work of designer Cornelius Van Ranst, whose resume included the innovative Cord L-29. This new engine was intended for a front-wheel drive Packard design project, which never entered production. The engine had a narrow, 67-degree vee angle, with the valves nearly horizontal, and actuated by hydraulic tappets. The combustion chamber was located partially within the cylinder block, resulting in the description 'modified L-head.' Packard would fit the engine with a Stromberg dual downdraft carburetor, the first downdraft carburetor used on a Packard.

Prior to mid-1932, four-speed gearboxes were used. With the higher torque engines, a three speed manual satisfied the need of the luxury car models. All Packard car would come equipped with the three-speed gearbox by mid-1932.

There were just 311 examples of the 905 models produced with sales of the 906s reaching just 238 units for the 1932 models. This 1932 Packard Twin Six 905 Dual Cowl Sport Phaetons originally sold for $4,090. It weighed nearly 5,400 pounds and had room for up to four passengers in sporty and comfortable elegance.

The car was given a restoration in the early 1990s. There is a tan convertible top, dual side-mounted spare tires with maroon painted hard cases, dual chrome-plated rearview mirrors, dual spotlights, a rear-mounted trunk rack, achrome-plated wire wheels, and wide whitewall tires. The interior is maroon leather with matching carpeting. Other amenities include full-width footrest, aircraft-style windscreen, and courtesy lights.

In 2009, this Twin Six Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. The lot failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $250,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
Convertible Coupe
Chassis Num: 900481
 
Sold for $737,000 at 2012 Gooding & Company.
In 1932 Packard decided to re-introduce its famous Twin-Six, originally built from 1916 to 1923. The 1932 version would be an updated version, developing 160horsepower, and built on two wheelbases: 142 and 147 inches.

The new multi-cylinder Packard became an instant favorite of those who could afford it - and that included a young film star whose career was taking off - Clark Gable; this was his car. It was sold to Mr. Gable on November 14, 1932, by Packard's Southern California dealer Earl C. Anthony.

Also making this car special is the fact that it was 75% owner-restored. The body-off restoration was completed just in time to be shown at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Convertible Coupe
 
Packard built a total of 311 Model 905s with nine body styles available.

This 1932 Packard is powered by the new Twin Six, V-12, 445 cubic-inch engine, developing 160 horsepower. It is equipped with a three-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 95 mph. It sold for about $4,771 new.

The 1932 Packard cost $1,000 more than its equivalent Cadillac competitor. In 1932, Packard outsold Cadillac by 4,844 against only 3758 for Cadillac.

With its elegant V-shaped radiator, tapered headlights and aircraft-style instrument panel, the Twin Six carried the style of the future.
Sport Phaeton
Coachwork: Dietrich
Chassis Num: 581 15
Engine Num: 900363
 
Packard produced 549 examples of the Twin Six for 1932. This example began life as a sedan. It was discovered by the McGowan brothers of Branford, Connecticut and a short time later, given its Sport Phaeton body. In 1993, it was purchased by John McCullen who then commissioned a professional restoration. When completed, it was finished in Packards factory original 1932 color of Aztec Olive with double pinstripe. The interior was done in light tan leather with a matching canvas top and spare cover. The car rides on classic whitewall tires and there is a center-mounted Pilot Ray driving light. Also, there are twin spotlights and a single rear-mounted spare.

In 1993, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won Class honors as well as the Most Elegant Car award. At a CCCA meet, it scored a perfect 100 points and received its Junior, Senior and Premier badges. It has been awarded Best in Class awards at Meadowbrook, EyesOn Design and Willistead Classic Concours d'Elegance.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $600,000. As bidding would come to a close, the car would leave the sale unsold as its reserve was not met.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011
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.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008
For more information and related vehicles, click here

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Arrow Right 1932 Packard models
Packard Model 900 Light Eight
Packard Model 902 Eight
Packard Model 903 Deluxe Eight
Packard Model 904 DeLuxe Eight
Packard Model 906 Twin Six
Packard Waterhouse Sport Sedan

Similar Automakers
AuburnDaimler
DelageDelahaye
DuesenbergHispano Suiza
HudsonIsotta
PeerlessPierce Arrow
Talbot-LagoVoisin
Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1932
Packard Model 903 Deluxe Eight ($3,700-$45,550)
Stutz Model DV-32 ($2,804-$7,643)
Peerless V-16 Prototype ($3,800-$3,800)
Lincoln Model KB ($4,305-$7,205)
Cadillac 370B V12 ($3,495-$4,995)

Average Auction Sale: $486,400

 
Packard: 1931-1940
Similar Automakers
Packard History
Other models by Packard

Related Articles and Event Coverage
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Concours d'Elegance of America at Meadow Brook
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
Automobiles of Arizona
19th Annual Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
2006 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance
2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance


 
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