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1934 Packard Twelve

History

The Packard Twelve was produced from 1933 to 1939 with over 35,000 examples produced. It is considered by many to be one of the finest automobiles produced by Packard and one of the most significant creations of the classic car era. The long and flowing front hood hid a 445 cubic-inch side-valve twelve-cylinder engine that was refined, powerful, smooth, and quiet.

The engine was originally destined for a front-wheel drive project which eventually proved to have weaknesses. That and the anticipated development cost were too much to be practical so Packard decided to scrap the idea. Cadillac had introduced their 16-cylinder engine and other marques such as Pierce-Arrow were improving the performance of their offerings. Packard was feeling the pressure and decided to place the engine into the Deluxe Eight Chassis and dubbed it the Twin Six. The name was in honor of Packard's achievement fifteen years earlier when they introduced their first 12-cylinder engine. By 1933 the name was changed to Twelve to be in line with the rest of the Packard models.

Most of the Packard production Twelve's received factory bodies. Only a handful received custom coachwork by such greats as LeBaron and Dietrich.

In 1935 Packard introduced more horsepower and mechanical improvements. The suspension became more plush and comfortable while the steering became easier to operate. The cars were designed and built as one unit including the fenders, running boards, hood, and body.

1936 was the final year for 17-inch wire wheels and double-blade bumpers with hydraulic dampers.


By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008

1934 Packard Twelve Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$160-$4,590
1934 Twelve
$6,800-$14,000
1934 Packard Twelve Price Range: $4,590 - $6,800

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1934 Packard Models
$4,200 - $14,000

Twelve Eleventh Series

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
960
147.00 in.
12 cyl., 445.50 CID., 160.00hp
$4,200 - $14,000
960
135.00 in.
12 cyl., 445.50 CID., 160.00hp
$7,750 - $7,800
135.00 in., 142.00 in.
12 cyl., 445.50 CID., 160.00hp
$4,590 - $6,800
960
142.00 in., 142.50 in., 148.00 in.
12 cyl., 445.50 CID., 160.00hp
$3,800 - $4,800

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