1934 Packard 1106 Twelve Runabout Speedster

The 1934 Packard catalogue offered 14 different body styles for this car, including the Runabout Speedster. Although 960 V12 Packards were built in 1934, only four were given the speedster body, and all four survive. This boattail speedster is a strict two-seater, without a rumble seat. It evolved from an experimental design by Jesse Vincent, created for Packard executive Ed Macauley. Its cachet inspired a limited production, using the 134.75-inch wheelbase, with a 445 cubic-inch V-12 engine. The pontoon fenders front and rear became a standard design feature for most Packard speedsters going forward. With its short wheelbase, light body, and robust V12, this car was a formidable sports car in 1934.

This Packard 1108 Runabout Speedster has a unique body by LeBaron. The car gives the illusion of motion even at a standstill. There are torpedo fenders and a boat-tail rear end. The long front end conceals a 7.3-liter twelve-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 160 horsepower. The long hood sweeps over the cowl, creating the illusion that the vehicle is larger in length than one would expect.

This design was created by Ed Macauley who was Packard's design chief. Design influences from Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a design consultant since 1932, are also apparent.

There were just 960 examples of the 12-cylinder Packard constructed in 1934. Four (possibly five) were given LeBaron Sport Phaeton bodies.

This 1934 Packard Runabout Speedster with coachwork by LeBaron was on display at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is finished in a blue paint scheme and was delivered on 4-16-1935.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007