1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six Convertible Coupe

In 1932 Packard decided to re-introduce its famous Twin-Six, originally built from 1916 to 1923. The 1932 version would be an updated version, developing 160 horsepower, and built on two wheelbases: 142 and 147 inches. In total, 549 examples of the Twin Six Packard were completed for 1932.

The new multi-cylinder Packard became an instant favorite of those who could afford it - and that included a young film star whose career was taking off - Clark Gable; this was his car. This Coupe Roadster was the last of just 54 examples built.

It was sold to Mr. Gable on November 14, 1932, by Packard's Southern California dealer Earl C. Anthony. Mr. Gable, then a 31-year-old actor who was only two years into his contract with MGM, paid $4,250 for the 12-cylinder Packard Roadster. During his owners, it was registered '1Y1' and made frequent trips to Bohman & Schwartz in Pasadena, where it was continuously updated to suit the latest fashions. Between 1932 and 1934, the Coupe Roadster was repainted, reupholstered, and gained all of the era's popular accessories, including wheel discs, Pilot-Ray driving lights, and a rear-mounted trunk.

In 1934, Mr. Gable sold the two-year-old Twin Six. Over the next two decades, the 1932 Coupe Roadster passed between several California car enthusiasts. The next recorded owner of the Twin Six was Mr. C. Jewell, who lived on 2nd Avenue in Los Angeles. By 1949, having survived the scrap drives of WWII, the Coupe Roadster was owned by Mr. D.H. Korntved. In the late 1950s, Jack Passey discovered the Twin Six sitting in a backyard near Greenfield, California. After tracking down the owner, Mr. Passey paid $75 for the Packard and towed it home. In 1962 or 1963, Packard Twelve enthusiast George Petrusich offered Mr. Passey to take ownership of the car. In 1968, Mr. Petrusich sold the Twin Six to C.A. Leslie Jr., who is said to have paid $5,000 for the rare classic. After the purchase, fellow Oklahoma City resident and Packard collector Major Conrad Clough first told Leslie of his Packard's Hollywood connection. Major Clough noted that, at one time, the Gable Twin Six was painted a very dark blue, almost black.

In 1989, after two decades with Mr. Leslie, the Packard was sold to Don Wohlwend of Camano Island, Washington. During his ownership, Mr. Wohlwend spent many hours researching the history. Further evidence was discovered when the Coupe Roadster was sent to Portland and stripped for paint. Underneath a more modern two-tone paint scheme was a clear, single layer of dark blue, just as Major Clough recalled.

By 1997, little progress had been made on a restoration by Mr. Wohlwend who decided to part with the car. The next owner was Mr. Thomas Moretti and the car joined his esteemed collection of 12-cylinder Packards. Despite requiring a full restoration, the Twin Six was found to be a very complete and original example, with the correct body (579-64), engine (900481), frame (900471), and steering box (900479) numbers.

The car was refinished in Packard Blue and highlighted by a subtle light-gray pinstripe. The interior was reupholstered in dark-blue leather, with matching carpets and a soft top. It was given whitewall tires and the sporting 'Goddess of Speed' radiator mascot. The 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it received a First in Class. In the Fall of 2009, the Packard was shown at the Glenmoor Gathering and received an Award of Distinction. In 2010, it captured First in Class honors at Amelia Island and Meadow Brook.