1933 Packard 1006 Twelve Convertible Victoria

This 1006 Custom Twelve is powered by Packard's 445 cubic-inch V-12, a powerplant known not only for its performance but also its utter silence. Packard's most famous ad for 1933 depicted a Packard Twelve Victoria posed by a lovely pond, the only text being the word 'Hush!' - a tribute to the silent operation of the mighty Packard Twelve engine.

This Convertible Victoria is an example of Ray Dietrich's celebrated 'V' windshield, on an Individual Custom Line offered by Packard from 1932 through 1934. Labeled Dietrich body style 2072, this is possibly the only known example to survive. Powered by a 445 cubic-inch V12 engine, this car features harmonic dampeners mounted on the front bumper to provide a ride that was both quiet and smooth. Graced with a flush-folding convertible top, this car exhibits clean lines and elegant sophistication. Only 520 Packard Twelves were built in 1933, perhaps due to its $6,070 sticker price.

This twelve-cylinder, 1933 Packard with a 'vee-windshield' convertible Victoria coachwork by Dietrich appears to have been the sole Tenth Series Dietrich Individual Custom convertible Victoria built. It was delivered new via the Packard dealer in Hartford, Connecticut, and in 1950, was sold by its third owner to Frank Akutowicz of Windsor. He drove it later in 1953 on a portion of the thirst CCCA National CARavan, driving from his home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Toledo, then onward to Detroit, where the car was driven on the Packard Proving Grounds at 60 mph.

Mr. Mittermaier began a restoration on the Packard with the rebuild of the original engine taking two years, with the new valve guides and springs, timing chain, and gaskets bought directly from Packard. Once the restoration was completed, it became the focal point of the Mittermaiers' new home, ensconced in a purpose-built 'viewing room' where visiting friends could sit around the Dietrich and chat. Over the years, the Packard was taken out on just a handful of occasions for shows and photography, including a 1985 exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Packard remained with Mr. Mittermaier until his passing in 1993. Four years later, it was sold out of the 'viewing room' to Otis Chandler, who undertook a fresh restoration commissioned to Bob Mosier. The Packard went on to win Best of Show at the 2002 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance and to achieve two 100-point scores in CCCA National judging, earning its Senior badge.

After Mr. Chandler's passing, the car was acquired from his estate in 2006 by a Northern California enthusiast who exhibited the car at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Even with its nearly decade-old restoration, it still took 2nd in class.

This Packard has been in the current owner's care since December 2020.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007