1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six Phaeton

The Packard Motor Car Company had many automotive 'firsts' during its long history. In addition to the 'firsts' built into the cars, the Packard factory in Detroit was the first reinforced concrete factory in the world. It was designed by Albert Kahn who later designed the Packard Proving Grounds located in Shelby Township, Michigan. The sister of the Packard brothers, Alaska Packard Davidson, was one of the first female special agents for the FBI.

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

Packard produced their first Twin Six models from 1916 through 1923. It was based on their existing straight-six engine and some components were used in the Liberty engine which powered many World War I aircraft. The second incarnation of the Twin Six was introduced in 1932 and produced 160 horsepower and 311 pounds of torque. The Twin Six name was replaced by the Twelve in 1933. There were 549 Twin Six models built which was a testament to its popularity since this was one of the worst years of the Great Depression.

The fabulous Packard Twelves were introduced in 1932 in response to the second 'cylinder war' initiated by Cadillac among American luxury car marques. Early luxury cars were powered predominately by huge displacement six-cylinder engines until Cadillac introduced a V8 in 1915. Packard responded in 1916 with the sensational Twin-Six which became the favorite of film stars, industrialists, and heads of state. The engine was replaced by the smooth running straight eight in 1924.

In 1930, Cadillac ignited another cylinder race by introducing a V12 and a V16. Packard responded with this new V12 in 1932. The V12 displaced 445.5 cubic inches developing 160 horsepower. Top speed was reportedly over 100 mph although Packard advertising modestly claimed only 85 mph.

This car is believed to have been built for Gar Wood. Mr. Wood was the first person to exceed 100 miles per hour in a boat. It is unknown how fast he drove this car. It was part of the famous Pollard Collection of Detroit for many years.

The convertible sedan coachwork formed from aluminum was courtesy of Murphy who was mainly known for building bodies for Duesenberg automobiles. This is the only one known to exist. It has a 'disappearing cowl' behind the front seat.