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1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six

The Great Depression of the early 1930s was devastating, but Packard remained comfortably perched at the top of the luxury car segment, but despite this prestigious position, its future was uncertain. Packard, initially, remained in good financial health but many fortunes were lost during this time, as prosperity remained an elusive mistress.

To remain competitive, Packard introduced a lower-priced Light Eight, while the standard and Deluxe Eight models remained mostly unchanged with slightly larger wheels. Packard focused much time and attention on the top-of-the-line models, trying to ward off the advancements of other marques such as Cadillac and Lincoln.

The new Twin Six, upper-class models, were available on Models 905 and 906. They had wheelbases measuring 142.5 inches (for the 905) and 174 inches (Model 906). Packard's large-displacement engine was designed for silent operation, longevity, and the ability to provide tremendous amounts of torque so that gear-shifting was kept to a minimum. The power was sufficient to propel the quality Packard chassis with authority, irrespective of the size of the coachwork mounted on it.

The Twin Six engine displaced 445.5 cubic inches and produced 160 brake horsepower at 3,200 RPM. It was the work of designer Cornelius Van Ranst, whose resume included the innovative Cord L-29. This new engine was intended for a front-wheel-drive Packard design project, which never entered production. The engine had a narrow, 67-degree vee angle, with the valves nearly horizontal, and actuated by hydraulic tappets. The combustion chamber was located partially within the cylinder block, resulting in the description 'modified L-head.' Packard would fit the engine with a Stromberg dual downdraft carburetor, the first downdraft carburetor used on a Packard.

Prior to mid-1932, four-speed gearboxes were used. With the higher torque engines, a three-speed manual satisfied the need of the luxury car models. All Packard cars would come equipped with the three-speed gearbox by mid-1932.

Packard continued to offer a wide range of elegant custom bodies, including those by Dietrich, even though they had brought much of the coachbuilt bodies in-house to control cost, quality, and design. This allowed Packard to increase efficiency as well as operating margins. Prices on the Series 905 ranged from $3,650 to $4,090 while the Series 906 ranged from $4,500 to $5,750.

The Packard 905 was offered as a convertible priced at $3,750, a phaeton at $3,790, a Sport Phaeton at $4,090, a rumble seat coupe at $3,650, and a club sedan at $3,900. The sedan was $3,745, the coupe at $3,850, the convertible sedan at $4,400, and a convertible victoria at $4,325. The seven-passenger sedan was $3,900.

There were just 311 examples of the 905 models produced with sales of the 906s reaching just 238 units for the 1932 models.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Phaeton by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900441

This 1932 Packard Twin Six 905 Dual Cowl Sport Phaetons originally sold for $4,090. It weighed nearly 5,400 pounds and had room for up to four passengers in sporty and comfortable elegance.

The car was given a restoration in the early 1990s. There is a tan convertible top, dual side-mounted spare tires with maroon-painted hard cases, dual chrome-plated rearview mirrors, dual spotlights, a rear-mounted trunk rack, chrome-plated wire wheels, and wide whitewall tires. The interior is maroon leather with matching carpeting. Other amenities include a full-width footrest, aircraft-style windscreen, and courtesy lights.

In 2009, this Twin Six Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $350,000 - $450,000. The lot failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $250,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 900471
Engine number: 900481

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.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich

Packard re-entered the multi-cylinder race in 1932 with its second-generation Twin Six lineup. This Convertible Victoria styled by Ray Dietrich was a handsome part of the catalogued lineup. The new 445 cubic-inch V12-powered series found only 549 buyers in the tough 1932 depression-year luxury car market.

Convertible Coupe

Packard built a total of 311 Model 905s with nine body styles available. This example is one of about five 1932 Coupe Roadsters known to survive.

This 1932 Packard is powered by the new Twin Six, V-12, 445 cubic-inch engine, developing 160 horsepower. It is equipped with a three-speed manual transmission and has a top speed of 95 mph. It sold for about $3,750 new. It has a 142.5 inch wheelbase and weighs 5,350 lbs.

The 1932 Packard cost $1,000 more than its equivalent Cadillac competitor. In 1932, Packard outsold Cadillac by 4,844 against only 3,758 for Cadillac.

With its elegant V-shaped radiator, tapered headlights, and aircraft-style instrument panel, the Twin Six carried the style of the future.

Sport Phaeton by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900363
Engine number: 900363

Packard produced 549 examples of the Twin Six for 1932. This example began life as a sedan. It was discovered by the McGowan brothers of Branford, Connecticut, and a short time later, given its Sport Phaeton body. In 1993, it was purchased by John McCullen who then commissioned a professional restoration. When completed, it was finished in Packards factory original 1932 color of Aztec Olive with double pinstripe. The interior was done in light tan leather with a matching canvas top and spare cover. The car rides on classic whitewall tires and there is a center-mounted Pilot Ray driving light. Also, there are twin spotlights and a single rear-mounted spare.

In 1993, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won Class honors as well as the Most Elegant Car award. At a CCCA meet, it scored a perfect 100 points and received its Junior, Senior, and Premier badges. It has been awarded Best in Class awards at Meadowbrook, EyesOn Design, and Willistead Classic Concours d'Elegance.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It was estimated to sell for $400,000 - $600,000. As bidding would come to a close, the car would leave the sale unsold as its reserve was not met.

by Dan Vaughan

Phaeton by Murphy

The Packard Motor Car Company had many automotive 'firsts' during its long history. In addition to the 'firsts' built into the cars, the Packard factory in Detroit was the first reinforced concrete factory in the world. It was designed by Albert Kahn who later designed the Packard Proving Grounds located in Shelby Township, Michigan. The sister of the Packard brothers, Alaska Packard Davidson, was one of the first female special agents for the FBI.

Packard wore the crown as the leading luxury marque at the start of the Classic era. And with the first Packard built in 1899, it was also one of the oldest car companies in America. The company began life as the Ohio Automobile Company based in Warren, Ohio. It became the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902 and moved to Detroit in 1903.

Packard produced their first Twin Six models from 1916 through 1923. It was based on their existing straight-six engine and some components were used in the Liberty engine which powered many World War I aircraft. The second incarnation of the Twin Six was introduced in 1932 and produced 160 horsepower and 311 pounds of torque. The Twin Six name was replaced by the Twelve in 1933. There were 549 Twin Six models built which was a testament to its popularity since this was one of the worst years of the Great Depression.

The fabulous Packard Twelves were introduced in 1932 in response to the second 'cylinder war' initiated by Cadillac among American luxury car marques. Early luxury cars were powered predominately by huge displacement six-cylinder engines until Cadillac introduced a V8 in 1915. Packard responded in 1916 with the sensational Twin-Six which became the favorite of film stars, industrialists, and heads of state. The engine was replaced by the smooth running straight eight in 1924.

In 1930, Cadillac ignited another cylinder race by introducing a V12 and a V16. Packard responded with this new V12 in 1932. The V12 displaced 445.5 cubic inches developing 160 horsepower. Top speed was reportedly over 100 mph although Packard advertising modestly claimed only 85 mph.

This car is believed to have been built for Gar Wood. Mr. Wood was the first person to exceed 100 miles per hour in a boat. It is unknown how fast he drove this car. It was part of the famous Pollard Collection of Detroit for many years.

The convertible sedan coachwork formed from aluminum was courtesy of Murphy who was mainly known for building bodies for Duesenberg automobiles. This is the only one known to exist. It has a 'disappearing cowl' behind the front seat.

Roadster Coupe by Dietrich

This original Packard was recently acquired from the son of the second owner who purchased it from the original owner in 1953. There are believed to be only four remaining examples of this 1932 V12 body style. Although never restored, this example is in original running and driving condition and has been sympathetically maintained by both the original and second owners. It was delivered new with the rarest of all Packard accessories: a complete and operating 1932 Packard factory tachometer.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900404
Engine number: 900412

The Packard 905 Twin Six was first shown in 1932 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. It underlined Packard's reemergence into the luxury car market and immediately became their flagship model. To lessen the economic impact of the Depression, the Twin Six was launched alongside the more affordable Light Eight. Many Twin Sixes were bodied by the finest American coachwork companies, but Packard hired Raymond Dietrich to design its own in-house bodies, and he came up with nine flamboyant designs. Prices ranged from $3,895 for a standard touring model to $7,950 for a top-of-the-line Landaulet. Around 550 Twin Sixes were produced in the Ninth Series, badged as either a 905 or 906 model before the Twin Six name was changed to V12 in 1933.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900404
Engine number: 900412

The known history of this Packard Twin Six dates to 1948 when it was placed into storage under cover on a farm in Fresno, California when its owner moved back East. The Packard remained in storage until 1963, when it was offered for sale and acquired by Roy Lagomarsino and his father, Joseph, for approximately $1,500 through a sealed-bid auction. Due to fears that the trim pieces would be stolen, nearly every piece was removed from the car before it was trailered to their home in San Francisco. Upon arrival, the trim pieces and the Packard were placed into dry storage, first at the senior Lagomarsino's home in San Francisco, then later moving with Roy to his home near Suisun City.

Jim Callahan learned of the Packard in November of 2000 and upon inspection, found it wearing its original black paint with green leather upholstery. The trim remained with the vehicle, wrapped in pages from 1963 issues of the San Francisco Chronicle. The top mechanism was complete, but the top material itself had deteriorated.

Mr. Callahan acquired the Packard in January of 2001 and soon embarked on a mechanical and cosmetic re-freshening, which included rebuilding the carburetor and distributor, and changing fluids. The Packard was then driven about 550 miles, including a round-trip journey from Oakland to Pebble Beach for the concours in August 2001. Shortly thereafter, the car was sold to Don Sears and David Kane. It next passed to Tom Kostelecky of Littleton, Colorado, who continued to maintain its original condition and then to the current owner.

In the care of its present owner, the car received a meticulous restoration, with much of the mechanical work performed by Lonnie Fallin. Cosmetics were handled by the firm of Colour Restorations in Loveland, Colorado. The car was refinished to the original livery, with the exceptions only of chromed rather than painted wheels and a black top and boot. It retains its original matching numbers chassis number 900404 and engine number 900412, and even the steering box, number 900414. The original vehicle number tag is still in place on the firewall, though it has been concealed with a correctly stamped replacement tag, and the stickers from the Packard Proving Grounds, dated 23 June 1932, are still on the outside of the glove box.

After the restoration work was completed, the Packard has been shown only selectively, most notably in Classic Car Club of America's competition. It has appeared in CCCA judging three times, each time being scored at a perfect 100 points and achieving Premier honors. Most recently it was exhibited at the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster Coupe by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900402
Engine number: 900416

The twelve-cylinder 1932 Packard wore a lengthy hood, flowing open fenders, and a V-shaped grille. This particular Ninth-Series Coupe Roadster offers seating for two plus two additional seats for passengers in the rumble seat compartment. The 445 cubic-inch engine develops 160 horsepower and resides within the 142-inch wheelbase chassis.

The early history of this Packard is not known. During the early 1980s, it was in the care of John M. Wheatley of Tulsa, Oklahoma who entered it in the 1982 CCCA Grand Classic in Denver, where it scored 98 points and earned its First Place award, commemorated with badge no. 1029. Ownership later passed to Jerry Moore of Texas, followed by John McMullen of Michigan. In 1998, it was purchased by Tony Vincent.

This Packard wears a two-tone combination of dark blue on the fenders and upper body panels complemented by a gray shade on all side body panels. It has a canvas roof which is repeated throughout the interior compartment of the leather upholstery, door panels, and carpeting. The chrome wire wheels are wrapped with whitewall tires, and the side-mount spare tires have metal covers equipped with Packard mirrors, driving lights, and wind wings.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900430
Engine number: 900438

Packard, like all manufacturers, was feeling the effects of the Depression following the stock market crash in 1929. The company astounded the automotive world when it introduced its 9th Series for 1932 at that year's New York Auto Show with a range-topping vehicle – the Twin Six - utilizing Packard's largest chassis and a 160hp 445.5cid V-12. Reputedly, the engine was on the drawing boards prior to the Crash. In reality, in order to maintain supremacy in the luxury market, Packard was forced to offer a multi-cylinder engine to compete with other luxury car manufacturers. According to the owner, this is car #7 of 10 convertible victorias produced for 1932 and one of 4 that remains today. It retains the original Packard Proving Grounds test stickers under the glovebox dated July 8, 1932. In addition, it is the only convertible victoria known to include the optional 18' color-coordinated artillery wheels.

Coupe
Chassis number: 578-23

This Packard was purchased by Navy Lt. Commander Arthur Blasier for his beloved wife, Mildred. Although built in 1932 as Packard's second generation big V12 offering, the car was not sold until April of the following year, as luxury automobiles were a tough sell in the midst of the Great Depression. Nevertheless, Blasier had the car monogrammed for his wife. Standing just 4 feet, 9 inches tall, the diminutive dame drove the colossal coupe solo on three transcontinental trips to visit her relatives in Los Angeles. It is believed that pillows and blocks were employed to improve ergonomics. This car remains in pristine, almost totally original condition with its third owner.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
Chassis number: 900430
Engine number: 900438

The Ninth Series of Packard automobiles was introduced in 1932. Called for only this season the Twin Six and the Twelve every season thereafter, its 12-cylinder engine produced 160 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. The 'modified L-head' configuration of the engine had a zero-lash valve train using a center-mounted camshaft to actuate nearly horizontal valves with hydraulic tappets for quiet operation.

This particular example wears Convertible Victoria coachwork designed by Raymond Dietrich. It is one of three known surviving examples of this style on the Twin Six chassis and the only one of these with wooden artillery wheels. Measuring 17 inches, the wheels are an inch shorter than the standard wheels fitted to these Packards.

This Packard was tested at the Packard Proving Grounds on July 8, 1932.

It is believed that this Packard was once owned or possibly restored by Packard collector and restorer John Wheatley. It was sold by him to Guy Beatty of McLean, Virginia, who kept it until his passing, at which time ownership changed to a Packard connoisseur in the Midwest. In his ownership, the car was extensively freshened, both cosmetically and mechanically, by 'Jocko' McNeil of The Enthusiast Garage in Monroe, Michigan.

This Packard is finished in Packard Maroon with red pinstripes, a black top with burgundy piping, and complimented by a tan leather interior.

In 2023, this Packard was shown at the Amelia Concours d'Elegance.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 57961

1932 Packard 905 Twin Six Coupe Roadster was acquired by Don Miller of Ludington, Michigan, in the 1960s. A restoration was performed while in Mr. Miller's care, and it remained in his care for over five decades. Joe Crea of Cleveland, Ohio, acquired the car from Miller in the early 2010s. Crea commissioned Straight Eight in Troy, Michigan, to perform some cosmetic work and entered the Packard in Concours d'Elegance and touring events over the next decade.

This Packard is powered by a 445.5 cubic-inch L-head V12 engine offering 160 horsepower and paired with a synchromesh three-speed manual transmission. There is Ride Control, a Goddess of Speed mascot, a golf club compartment, chrome grille bumpers and trim, dual horns and wipers, cowl lamps, Waltham instrumentation and clock, and dual side-mount spare tires.

The exterior of this Packard is burgundy and black two-tone, with a tan leather interior.

by Dan Vaughan

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 Dan Vaughan