1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Convertible Sedan

Packard was the leading luxury marque at the start of the Classic era. It was one of the oldest car companies in America, with the first Packard built in 1899. The company began life as the Ohio Automobile Company based in Warren, Ohio, and became the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902. In 1903 the company moved to Detroit.

Early luxury cars were powered predominately by huge displacement six-cylinder engines until Cadillac introduced a V-8 in 1915. Packard responded in 1916 with the sensational Twin-Six which became the favorite of film stars, industrialists, and heads of state. This engine was replaced by the smooth running straight eight in 1924.

In 1930, Cadillac again set off a second-cylinder race by introducing a V-12 and a V-16. Packard responded with this new V-12 in 1932. In 1934 the V12's displacement was 445.5 cubic inches developing 160 horsepower. Top speed was reportedly over 100 mph, although Packard advertising modestly claimed only 85 MPH. For 1934, Twelves also featured evolutionary styling changes that many consider the pinnacle of Packard design.

In 1934 Packard offered three different chassis for the Eleventh Series Packard Twelve, and the longest and most luxurious was the 1108 series. These cars were expensive and powerful. Most Packard Twelves received factory bodies, with less than a dozen bodied by coachbuilders such as LeBaron and Dietrich. The 1934 models were the last of the classic Packards to have slender windshield posts and chrome front headlights.

This 1934 1108 Series Packard is fitted with one-off Dietrich coachwork that includes jump seats and a divided window (the only Dietrich built with jump seats). It was lengthened by ten inches, a dip down body line, and was built without a trunk. It has a lower radiator, a shorter hood, and a slightly taller windshield. It was also built to accommodate seven passengers.

The vehicle rides on a 147-inch wheelbase and weighs 5,505 pounds. It is powered by a 445.5 cubic-inch, V-12 engine developing 160 horsepower. The car sold new for $6,555. It was first sold to an owner in Washington, D.C., where it was later discovered, in the proverbial barn, in 1958.

The car was purchased by the current owner in 2000 and underwent a 3-year body-off restoration.