1937 Packard 1507 Twelve Convertible Victoria

The Fifteenth Series Packard was introduced in 1937 with modern styling, a rakishly angled radiator, redesigned bumpers, and front and rear doors that both opened from the center. Technical innovations bestowed upon the Senior models were the company's first use of independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes with centrifuse drums. The top-of-the-line twelve-cylinder model rested on three lengths of chassis and was available in thirteen different body styles. Among them was the five-passenger Convertible Victoria on a 139-inch wheelbase.

This 1507 Twelve convertible Victoria was delivered new by Motor Sales & Service of Portland, Maine, on August 12, 1937. It was later a longtime San Antonio, Texas, resident before its acquisition by the aerospace entrepreneur, D.U. 'Dee' Howard. His shop returned this Packard to its original configuration, after which it achieved its Primary First Prize with 100 points at the CCCA Southwest Grand Classic in 1988, followed by a Senior First Prize with a second perfect score at the same event in 1991.

Mr. Howard then added features catering to modern driving enjoyment, including a 12-volt ignition system using aircraft wiring, a pressurized radiator with an auxiliary cooling fan, power steering, and air conditioning.

On November 22nd of 2004, the car was acquired from the Howard Collection by Mr. Knox Kershaw and it has remained in his care for the past sixteen years.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2021