1939 Packard 1708 Twelve All Weather Cabriolet

Packard produced their 'Twin Six' model from 1916 to 1923. They had a long pedigree with a twelve-cylinder engine. When the multi-cylinder wars began to escalate in Detroit during the 1930s, Packard resurrected the Twin Six name with a completely new engine. It had a 67-degree vee, displaced 445 cubic inches, and produced 75 percent more power than the prior engine. In 1933 the name was changed to the 'Packard Twelve.' Two years after that the displacement rose even further, to 743.3 cubic inches. Horsepower rose as well to 175 brake horsepower. In 1937, Packard received coil springs in the front, hydraulic brakes, and a vacuum-assisted clutch. The Packard catalog listed a number of styles from the major coachbuilders including LeBaron, Dietrich, Rollston, and Brunn.

The Brunn & Co., of Buffalo, New York, was established in 1908 by Hermann Brunn. In 1920 the company was given a contract for Lincoln bodies. The work continued when Henry Ford bought Lincoln in 1922. By the 1930s Brunn was creating custom and semi-custom bodies for Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, and Packard.

This Packard wears a Brunn body which has been treated to a restoration by Scottsdale specialist Barry Briskman. It is believed to be one of four built. The current owner purchased the car in 2007. It has received Premier honors from the CCCA. It won Third in Class at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The car is painted black with dual side mounts and has a tan canvas top. The interior features black leather upholstery on the chauffeur's seat and tan cloth in the passenger compartment. It sold new for $8,335 making it the most expensive Packard in 1939. It was over a thousand dollars more than a V16 Cadillac or equivalent Lincoln.

In 2008 this 1939 Packard Twelve All Weather Cabriolet with coachwork by Brunn was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $200,000-$255,000. Bidding reached $176,000 including buyer's premium which was enough to satisfy the reserve. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008