1936 Packard Model 1407 Twelve Dual Cowl Phaeton

The cylinder wars during the late 1920s and early 1930s had most luxury marque's scrambling to create a suitable power plant that could compete with other engines on the market while still retaining their exclusivity and style. Cadillac and Marmon produced a sixteen-cylinder unit and Peerless was following closely with their development of a sixteen-cylinder unit. The Duesenberg and their Model J were powered by a twin-overhead camshaft that was very potent even at just eight cylinders. In 1932, Packard introduced their V12 along with the Twin Six nameplate. The L-head engine produced 160 horsepower which was rather modest in comparison to the competition. The torque that it produced was more than enough to carry the elegant bodies at speeds of up to 85 mph. A sedan version was clocked at over 100 mph.

The vehicle had an X-braced ladder-type frame with hydraulic shock absorbers on all four corners. The suspension was comprised of solid axles and leaf springs. Four-wheel drum brakes were operated via a servo-assisted cable system.

The name 'Twin Six' lasted for only a short time before it was replaced by the name 'Twelve.' By 1935, the company had brought the horsepower output up to 175 with the help of a downdraft Stromberg carburetor with an automatic choke.

This 1936 Packard Model 1407 Dual Cowl Phaeton has chassis number 904299 and is powered by a 474 cubic-inch V12 that produces 175 horsepower. It has a three-speed manual gearbox and worm-and-roller steering. It has a long, 142-inch wheelbase and a factory body to Dietrich's design.

This vehicle was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. The estimated value was set between $450,000-$550,000. The body was built by the factory and followed designs created by Dietrich. It is finished in Packard Blue lacquer with cream pin-striping. The foldable cloth top is a tan Haartz unit. The interior is finished in brown leather. There are twin windshields and a racked-back V-radiator.

The present owner has owned the vehicle for more than twenty years. It is in excellent condition and has been maintained to the highest of standards. At the auction, this was one of the last lots of the day to be offered for sale. There was a reserve placed on the vehicle which meant that a certain price had to be satisfied in order to be sold.

Having not been offered for sale for twenty years, it was thought that this vehicle might sell rather quickly. However, as the bidding came to a close on this vehicle, it left the stage unsold.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions. Bidding reached $231,000 which was enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008