1917 Packard Twin-Six Landaulet

In 1914, Packard produced the Twin Six in two models, the Model 2-25 and the 2-35. In total, 8999 examples were produced, with 4049 being the Model 2-35 and the remaining 4950 were the Model 2-25. The distinguishing features between these two were that the Model 2-25 rested on a platform that measured 126.5 inches while the Model 2-35 had a 135-inch wheelbase. Powering both was a 424 cubic-inch L-head, 60-degree engine capable of producing nearly 90 horsepower. It had two cast iron blocks and mechanical valve lifters.

The Packard Twin Six was introduced in May of 1915 and it was an engineering tour de force that placed the marque firmly in the top tier of American luxury cars. This new V-12 lifted Packard's prestige to an unprecedented level.

From its introduction in 1915 to mid-1923, Packard's Twin Six was the flagship model for the company. After the Twin Six's noble service, it was superseded by the first of the famed straight eights. The Twin Six also was the basis for the successful Liberty V-12 aircraft engine that powered many Allied planes during World War I, and also was the powerplant for several record-breaking land speeds and Indy 500 entrants during that period.

This Twin Six Model 2-35 Landaulet has a history that can be traced back to 1928, when it was in the care of Henry Branford Lewis, a resident of Andover, Massachusetts. On May 29th of 1948, Mr. Lewis sold the Packard to Roderic M. Blood. After Mr. Blood passed away in 1966, the vehicle was sold at auction to New Jersey industrialist, George Tilp. In the late 1960s, Mr. Tilp began a complete restoration but sold it before the process was complete. It was sold to Phil Hill of Santa Monica, California, who completed the finishing touches.

In 2011, at the Pebble Beach, CA auction presented by Gooding & Company, the car was estimated to sell for $80,000-120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $192,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011