1938 Packard 1607 Twelve Convertible Victoria

The 1938 Packard Twelve was powered by an engine with a modified L configuration with valve stems almost horizontal and operated by a camshaft deep in the engine's head through roller rockers on hydraulically adjusted eccentrics. The result was an engine that was almost completely silent. In 1935 aluminum heads and a longer stroke boosted the engine displacement to 473 cubic inches and the horsepower to 175.

This Packard was sold new by Packard of Manhattan in New York City. It has been treated to a restoration which earned it a Classic Car of America Senior First place Trophy number 1609. The car is finished in black paint with a red leather interior, banjo steering wheel, and grey dash that was only used for the 1938 model year. The black canvas top has red piping, and the car carries twin side mounts with mirrors, twin spotlights, and a rear trunk rack.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $143,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012