1934 Packard 1106 Twelve

Packard introduced their first 12-cylinder model, the Twin Six, in 1916. It had its two-cylinder banks at a 60-degree angle and a displacement of 424.1 cubic inches, offering 88 horsepower, and giving the 6,000-pound vehicle a top speed of 70 mph. The Twin Six remained in production until 1923. Eight-cylinder engines remained favorable until Cadillac introduced new twelve- and sixteen-cylinder models in the early 1930s. Packard responded in 1932 with the introduction of another V12, again called the Twin Six. Although it had the same name, it was an entirely new design with a 67-degree vee angle and a 445.5 cubic-inch displacement offering 160 horsepower. Displacement grew by 24.4 cubic inches and horsepower increased by 82 percent. Packard soon realized that a new name was needed to distinguish it from the past model, changing its name to the Packard Twelve. The Packard Twelve was produced from 1933 to 1939.

The Packard Twelve was the top-of-the-line offering from one of America's leading manufacturers of fine cars. The Eleventh Series Packard 1106 was powered by a 445 cubic-inch engine with Stromberg downdraft carburetion and delivered 160 horsepower. The engine was mated to a three-speed synchromesh transmission and there were four-wheel adjustable vacuum-assisted brakes and a wheelbase that measured 135 inches.

The Packard Twelve line consisted of the 1106, 1107, and 1108. The 1107 had a 142-inch wheelbase and 11 production body styles while the Model 1108 was the long 147-inch wheelbase offered in seven-passenger production bodies. The 1106 body styles included the Sport Coupe and the LeBaron Runabout Speedster.

1934 changes included modifications to the engine and a redesigned interior, with a radio being offered as optional equipment.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019