1932 Packard Model 906 Twin Six 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. In 1902 it became the Packard Motor Car Company and moved to Detroit in 1903. 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 cylinder race by introducing a V-12 and a V-16. Packard responded with this new V-12 in 1932. The V-12 displaced 445.5 cubic inches developing 160 horsepower. Top speed was reportedly over 100 mph, although Packard advertising modestly claimed only 85 mph.

This Custom Series Packard was named Runner-Up to Best of Show at the 1963 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was driven to that show by then-owner/restorer Harold Crosby from his home in Southern California. Sold new to singer Al Jolson it was a mating of Packard's all-new Twin Six chassis with their also new vee-windshield Dietrich series of custom bodies.

This car is one of only two Dietrich built in this body style for 1932. It is known for its open fenders without skirts and headlamps forward of the grille. The hood sides are sculpted to leave room to easily open the hood.