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1937 Packard 1507 Twelve

The Great Depression was detrimental to the automotive market, resulting in the demise of several prominent marques such as Stutz, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, Peerless, and Marmon. Cadillac stayed afloat through its eight, twelve, and sixteen-cylinder model range and the deep pockets and resources of General Motors. Packard continued its perch as the nation's premier builder of fine motorcars, reinforced by its mighty Twelve cylinder line. Packard's experience with twelve-cylinder power dated back to 1916, with its Twin Six remaining in production through 1923. The large and heavy twelve-cylinder was replaced by the simpler and more advanced Single Eight that was introduced in 1924. The Single Eight set new standards for agility and smoothness, but it was the large twelve-cylinder unit that Packard returned to with the onset of the cylinder wars of the 1930s in Detroit. Cadillac introduced its V-16 in 1930 and its V-12 in 1931, while Auburn, Marmon, Pierce-Arrow, and even Franklin had their own 12-cylinder engines in 1932.

Packard revived the Twin Six name in 1932, although the twelve-cylinder unit was completely new. The V-12 design had a 67-degree cylinder-bank angle and displaced 455 cubic inches, 20 more than the previous Twin Six, and offered 75 percent more power. Packard simplified the name in 1933 to Packard Twelve, and two years later displacement grew to 473 cubic inches and output rose to 175 brake horsepower.

The whisper-quiet engine was complemented by the conservative coachwork featuring elegant appointments, a refined chassis, and finely tailored lines. The all-new and smooth styling introduced in 1935 incorporated the body, hood, fenders, and running boards into an attractive package. Along with increases in horsepower, mechanical improvements were made to the steering and suspension, better engine mounts, and the ease of operation dramatically improved passenger comfort.

The 1936 models were virtually identical to the previous year's model, but the 15th series of 1937 introduced a comprehensive series of mechanical improvements.

The 1937 Packard lineup consisted of models priced from $800 to $6,000, with six-, eight-, and twelve-cylinder power, and wheelbase sizes of 115- to 144.25 inches (a commercial chassis measured 165 inches). Among the most popular Packards were the affordable 'Six' with prices of $800 to $1,300. 30,050 were built in its inaugural year of production, and 50,100 units of the very popular eight-cylinder One Twenty model.

The Super Eight series (the 1500, 1501, and 1502) was equipped with a 320 cubic-inch straight-eight engine with 135 horsepower, a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission, and hydraulic brakes on all four wheels. Prices ranged from $2,330 to $5,000. The 1500 had a 127-inch wheelbase, the 1501 rested on a 134-inch platform, and the 1502 was the longest at 139 inches. Although popular, the production was far from the amounts of the lower-priced One Twenty and Six, with a total production of 5,793 units.

The most exclusive, expensive, and prestigious 1937 models were the Packard Twelve. The 473.3 cubic-inch V-12 used a Stromberg carburetor, had four main bearings, a standard 6.0:1 compression ratio, and delivered 175 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. They were backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a single plate vacuum assist clutch and floor shift controls. The hydraulic brakes with vacuum booster located at all four corners provided the stopping power. The Series 1506 had a 132.25-inch wheelbase and body styles included a touring sedan priced at $3,870. The Series 1507 had a 139.25-inch wheelbase and body styles included a convertible, rumble seat coupe, five-passenger coupe, club sedan, formal sedan, touring sedan, and convertible victoria. An all-weather cabriolet by LeBaron was priced at nearly $6,000. The large 144-inch wheelbase of the Model 1508 was reserved for the convertible sedan, touring sedan, touring limousine, and all-weather town car by LeBaron. The LeBaron coachwork was the most expensive at $6,130 while the other prices ranged from $4,270 to $4,650.

Changes to the Packard Twelve were similar to the Super Eight, including the removal of the Bijur lubrication system and rear-hinged doors. The front suspension received a Safe-T-Flex independent front setup based on the design of the junior One-Twenty. Other improvements were made to the hydraulic brakes with centrifuse drums and disc-type steel wheels. The front and rear bumpers were new, and the radiator rested at a 30-degree slant.

1937 was the best year for the Packard Twelve sales, reaching 1,300 units.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: 906287

The Packard Twelve was a conservative and elegant automobile with a refined chassis and a whisper-quiet engine. For 1935, Packard introduced all-new bodies that offered true envelope styling with the body, hood, fenders, and running boards incorporated into a smooth design. An increase in horsepower, improvements to the suspension and steering, and improved engine mounts greatly enhanced the driving experience and improved passenger comfort.

The 1936 models were virtually unchanged whereas the Fifteenth Series of 1937 brought a comprehensive series of mechanical improvements. Perhaps the most noticeable was the introduction of 'Safe-T-Flex' independent front suspension, based on the sound design of the junior One-Twenty. Other improvements included the adoption of hydraulic brakes, disc-type steel wheels, and the elimination of the Bijur central chassis lubrication system.

This Packard Convertible Victoria rides on the shorter, sporty 139-inch wheelbase Twelve chassis. The exterior is finished in dark blue with red pinstripe accents along the beltline and wheel arches. The passenger cabin is trimmed in red leather upholstery and dark blue carpeting. Wood-grain trim includes the window frames and the dash - which contains a clock and a rare radio unit. The rumble seat is also in red leather upholstery with fold-over leather armrests.

This Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe was fitted with many desirable accessories including dual side mounts, dual golf bag doors, and a rear-mounted accessory trunk rack. The interior features red leather interior upholstery and wood grain trim. The car was featured on the cover of the Packard Cormorant magazine.

Coupe

The later series Packard V12s have been referred to in the press as 'the nearest thing to steam' in an internal combustion engine. A drive in this two-passenger coupe will demonstrate that. The year 1937 was Packard's best sales year to that date, but only 1,300 V12s were among the 122,593 cars produced that year. Packard built a total of 5,804 V12s between 1932 and 1939.

Convertible Victoria

Packard's V12 series automobiles were produced in the greatest numbers in 1937; that year 1,300 cars were sold. This particular roadster was delivered new to Italy, an example of Packard's successful export marketing. The use of independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes on the 1937 cars made them some of the best road-going cars offered by Packard.

Convertible Victoria

Manufactured near the end of the classic car era, this 1507 series Packard Convertible Coupe cost more than many moderate homes of that era.

Powered by a 473 cubic-inch, twelve-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and riding on a 139-inch wheelbase, this 19-foot long car can still cruise at modern highway speeds. It was a sporting gentleman's automobile of choice, with small access doors to accommodate golf bags and a rumble seat for the caddy.

The original owner retired this car to the Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum of the Western Reserve Historical Society, where it remained until rescued and restored to its present condition. The car has accumulated Premier, Senior, and First Place CCA awards. It is one of six remaining examples known to exist today.

Convertible Victoria

'Ask the Man who owns one' was the slogan of this Detroit-built luxury automobile manufacturer.

The Packard Twelve was produced from 1933 to 1939. 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 473 cubic-inch side-valve twelve-cylinder engine that was refined, powerful, smooth, and quiet. At 175 horsepower, the Packard 12 was capable of 0-to-60 in 17 seconds. Prices ranged in the amount of $4,890.00 and beyond.

The current owner has recently driven this automobile on a 1,200-mile trip through Arizona, with the Classic Car Club of America.

Convertible Victoria

The year 1937 was Packard's best sales year for V-12s, with 1,300 cars delivered. It was also a year of many improvements, including the addition of hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension. By this point in its evolution, the Packard Twelve engine displaced 473 cubic inches and offered 175 horsepower. Its power, smoothness, and silent operation are legendary.

Sport Phaeton by Dietrich

Many consider the 1935 to 1939 Twelve's to be the finest automobiles ever produced by the Packard Motor Car Company. It is true that they represented the end of an era; never again would Packard offer the exceptional quality of a hand-built senior car. The coupe displayed features such as a roll-down rear window, dual golf bag doors, and a rumble seat finished in black leather, with fold-over paint-guard armrests. The graceful lines of the body are accentuated by the optional side mount spares, with metal covers. In addition, this Twelve is equipped with a Packard Adonis hood ornament, a windshield-mounted side view mirror, an accessory trunk rack bumper, a radio, and a clock.

The Fifteenth Series Twelve used a 175 horsepower, 473 cubic-inch, side-valve, twelve-cylinder engine with a three-speed synchromesh transmission, and vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes. The wheelbase was 139 inches. This Coupe's original list price was $3,420. In 1937, the Twelve enjoyed its best year, selling 1,300 vehicles. It was also overall Packard's best sales year ever, with 109,518 sold.

The 1937 Packard catalog did not offer an open Phaeton body, but at least two examples were built with the Dietrich-badged coachwork offered in the previous 1936 lineup. Franklin Roosevelt was the passenger in one example later destroyed by fire. This car is the only known surviving example. Only individually coach-built open phaetons are found on later Packards.

Convertible Victoria

This automobile was originally delivered in San Antonio, Texas. It was purchased twenty years ago by Dee Howard, of San Antonio. Dee restored the car in the recent past and has taken it on several CCCA caravans. It has won first place in both the Junior and Senior CCCA divisions.

Roadster Coupe
Chassis number: 10939-236

Packard's 15th Series was introduced on September 3, 1936. An incredible 50 models were available in 1937. With the success of its 120 Model, Packard decided to go even further into the mid-price territory with the introduction of the Six priced just $100 more than the top models of Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. Now Packard dealers could offer new vehicles in nearly every price class and the market responded accordingly. Packard produced a record 109,518 cars, a number the company had never attained before nor would ever again achieve in its history. Ninety percent of its sales were concentrated within the new Six and 120 model lines. Appropriately, Packard's advertising pitch was 'Finer Cars at Lower Prices.'

Packards continued to be owned by notables like Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Jean Harlow, Al Jolson, Dick Powell, Irene Dunne, and President Franklin Roosevelt. In fact, Packard proudly noted that Hollywood dealer Earle C. Anthony reported more than 100 major movie stars owned Packards; which certainly didn't hurt the sales of its lower-priced models. Despite having a best-year-ever, the Senior Twelves accounted for just 1,300 units in 1937. The convertible coupe was one of eight body styles in the 1507 Series ranging in price from $3,500 to $5,700 all riding on a 139-inch wheelbase and powered by Packard's 175 horsepower 473.3 cubic-inch V-12.

Roadster Coupe
Chassis number: 906694

The Fifteenth Series Packards of 1937 saw a comprehensive list of mechanical improvements over the previous series. Most notably, the introduction of 'Safe-T-Flex' independent front suspension based on the design of the junior One-Twenty was debuted on these 'senior' Packard models. The sporting and elegant open body on the 139-inch chassis is complemented by the handsome accents along the beltline and wheel arches, as well as Packard's characteristically tasteful application of chrome accents.

The original body tag found on this car denotes that this 1937 Packard Coupe Roadster was sold new on May 29th of 1937 by Packard dealer A.L. Doerr of Santa Rosa, California. This 139-inch wheelbase Packard is a fully recognized Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America. It is a numbers-matching example that retains its original coachwork, chassis, engine, transmission, and virtually every major part from when it left the factory.

This 1507 Packard was on the road until 1959 when it went into storage; at the time it had just 56,900 miles. It was stored in the dry New Mexico climate for three decades. A restoration was started, but never finished and it then sat for another 18 years before being moved to Lakeland Motors in 2009 where it underwent a four-year body-off-frame restoration.

The interior of this car is finished in tan leather and there is a wood-grained Di-noc dashboard that houses the Art Deco-inspired gauges. There are a set of side-mounted spares complete with factory metal wheel covers.

After the restoration was complete, it made its debut at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won a third place finish in the Open Packard class. It won a Best of Show at the 2016 Alameda Point Concours and the Chairman's Choice Award at the 2016 Niello Concours at Serrano.

Since the restoration work was completed, this Packard has been driven less than 100 miles.

Roadster Coupe
Engine number: 906192AA

The 15th Series 'senior' Packards of 1937 were given 'Safe-T-Flex' independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes with a vacuum-boosted brake and clutch. They were conservatively elegant automobiles with a modern design and were elegantly appointed.

This Coupe Roadster is one of a believed sixty-nine built. It has its original firewall body tag and a history that can be traced back to the 1950s. For over half a century, it was in the care of Bob Hance, who regularly displayed it at CCCA activities and concours d'elegance in California. The current caretaker acquired it from Mr. Hance in 2001 and oversaw a ground-up, professional restoration. Accessories on the car include chrome wheel covers with Packard cloisonne emblems, wide whitewall tires, a factory-installed AM radio with an under-car antenna, a heater, a trunk rack, and a correct 30-gallon fuel gauge indicator.

After the restoration work was completed, the car has been an award winner, achieving CCCA Senior Premier status and an AACA National First Prize winner in 2009. It has also completed a 900-mile CCCA CARavan.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe

In 1937 Packard sold 1,300 12-cylinder cars. Only 41 special order coupes were ordered and a half dozen survive today. This was the absolute pinnacle of custom Packards as the coupe sold for in excess of $110,000 in today's money. Each was specially ordered by a client who wished to make a statement in his social circle. This time-warp classic boasts its original paint and most mechanicals. It is powered by a 12-cylinder 475 cubic-inch engine that develops 175 horsepower and cruises effortlessly at highway speeds. Power brakes and clutch were standard.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich

Packard produced the Twelve Series from 1933 to 1939. Its name referred to the twelve-cylinder engine that displaced 473.3 cubic inches and produced 175 horsepower. The V12 could propel the car from zero-to-sixty mph in 17 seconds. They featured vacuum assist brakes and clutch. This was also the first year for the independent front suspension.

The Convertible Victoria model features four seats and a convertible top designed with blind rear quarters. The design originated in Europe in the late 1920s and several US coachbuilders popularized them. It was priced at $4,490. This car is number 35 of just 45 Convertible Victoria's built out of a total of 1,300 Twelve's built in 1937. It is one of fewer than a dozen Victoria's currently known to survive today.

This car was delivered new to the Jefferson Street Packard showroom in Detroit on October 16, 1937. The original owner of this car is unknown, but a Michigan State University student purchased it in 1952 and drove it for less than a year. It was then placed in storage in Lake Odessa, Michigan where it remained for the next sixty years. It was subsequently sold and the current owners restored it to its original Centennial Blue color with an olive top and optional red leather interior. The optional Packard radio was also restored to working condition.

The current owners commissioned a three-and-one-half-year restoration that was completed in March 2016. It retains its original engine, frame, and body.

Coupe

Packard's 15th Series was introduced in September 1936, and around 50 different models were available in 1937. Packard offered new vehicles in almost every price bracket, but only a handful received custom coachwork by such greats as LeBaron and Dietrich. In the 1507 Series, this coupe is one of eight body styles ranging in price from $3,500 to $5,700. All were built on a 139-inch wheelbase and powered by Packard's 175 horsepower, 473.3 cubic-inch V12 engine. It is one of just 41 coupes built, and less than 10 have survived.

This car was owned by the same family from 1939 until the mid-1980s. It was seldom used and was maintained in wonderfully original condition throughout that time. It was partially restored in the 1980s. It has only been driven about 57,000 miles in its life.

Roadster Coupe

The Packard V12 series automobiles were produced in the greatest numbers in 1937 when 1,300 were sold. The 15 series upgrades included an independent front suspension and a new hydraulic braking system that replaced the outdated mechanical brakes. The 1507 series was built on a 139 1/4' wheelbase chassis and was powered by a 12-cylinder 473.3 CID engine producing 175 horsepower.

The current owners purchased the vehicle in 2015 and commissioned a restoration in 2016.

Club Sedan

Packard's top models set the standard for the American luxury car industry, and the Twelve is considered to be not only one of the marque's finest automobiles but one of the most significant creations of the Classic Era. It was produced from 1932 to 1939, and over 3,500 examples were sold. The year 1937 was the most successful one for Packard, with over 1,300 V12 cars sold, not to mention other models. Several changes were made that year, including the use of independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, which made the 1937 Twelves some of the best road-going cars. Only a handful received custom coachwork by such greats as LeBaron and Dietrich; most Packard Twelves received factory bodies, as seen on this 1507 Club Sedan.

Roadster Coupe

By the 1930s, the Packard Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan had a lineup of car models unlike anyone else. The company would sell over 100,000 cars in 1937, mostly 6 or 8-cylinder models. Packard's first twelve-cylinder engine automobiles became synonymous with luxury, speed, and wealth.

While 1937 was a good year for Packard, just 1,300 Twelves were produced. This ensured their place among the rarest and most desired automobiles of the Classic Era. The engine produces 180 horsepower with 473 cubic inches. The Packard Twelve sold for $5,000 to $6,000 depending on options. This was the cost of at least ten new popular-priced cars of the era.

Overall, the Packard Twelve is extremely stylish. The all-new bodies introduced in 1935 and featured for the next few years offered true envelope styling with the body, hood, fenders, and running boards incorporated into a smooth, flowing design.

The Packard Twelve had few peers and was acknowledged as one of the finest automobiles of its time. Packard's relentless and careful refinement ensured that these hand-built 'Senior' Packard models continue to rank among the most highly prized and sought-after classics today.

Coupe

Packard was an American luxury automobile manufacturer based in Detroit. The first Packard automobiles were produced in 1899, and the last Detroit-built Packard left the line in 1956.

1937 was a great year for Packard. The company was continuing its tradition of building a car for every class, with 50 different models to choose from. They would sell nearly 110,000 cars in 1937, 90% of which were either the 115 6-cylinder or 120 8-cylinder models.

At the top-of-the-line, the Packard Twelve offered luxury, speed, and style. It is powered by a 473 cubic-inch V12 engine that produces 180 horsepower. Only 1,300 Twelve chassis would be constructed for the 1937 model year.

This is one of just 41 Packard Twelve 2-4 Coupes produced. It is the only known example with a rear-mounted spare. The current owner purchased this car in 1956.

Roadster Coupe
Chassis number: 1039-212
Engine number: 905964

Mechanical improvements introduced to Packard's senior line for 1937 included 'Safe-T-Flex' independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. The Fifteenth Series Twelves, introduced in September of 1936, would have its best year of production with 1,300 units sold.

This particular Coupe Roadster, which had a base price of $3,450, was delivered through Hollywood, California dealer W.H. Collins on December 10th of 1936. It was later sold in Alberta, Canada during the 1960s as a complete and intact automobile. A short time later it was dismantled for restoration, and (in dismantled condition) was later acquired by its next owner and returned to California in the early 1980s. The Packard was restored, with cosmetic work by the former AutoEuropa of Martinez, California. The previous owner had the engine reportedly rebuilt by Steve Messenger of Just Packards, also in Martinez. To make it more suitable for highway driving, the car received a high-speed rear axle.

The car was acquired by its current owner in 2017.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria
Chassis number: 906571

The Fifteenth Series Packard was introduced in 1937 with modern styling, a rakishly angled radiator, redesigned bumpers, and front and rear doors that both opened from the center. Technical innovations bestowed upon the Senior models were the company's first use of independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes with centrifuse drums. The top-of-the-line twelve-cylinder model rested on three lengths of chassis and was available in thirteen different body styles. Among them was the five-passenger Convertible Victoria on a 139-inch wheelbase.

This 1507 Twelve convertible Victoria was delivered new by Motor Sales & Service of Portland, Maine, on August 12, 1937. It was later a longtime San Antonio, Texas, resident before its acquisition by the aerospace entrepreneur, D.U. 'Dee' Howard. His shop returned this Packard to its original configuration, after which it achieved its Primary First Prize with 100 points at the CCCA Southwest Grand Classic in 1988, followed by a Senior First Prize with a second perfect score at the same event in 1991.

Mr. Howard then added features catering to modern driving enjoyment, including a 12-volt ignition system using aircraft wiring, a pressurized radiator with an auxiliary cooling fan, power steering, and air conditioning.

On November 22nd of 2004, the car was acquired from the Howard Collection by Mr. Knox Kershaw and it has remained in his care for the past sixteen years.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster Coupe

Packard survived the Great Depression and while the depression was detrimental to many manufacturers, Packard continued to innovate and produce America's best-built automobiles. Packard revived the Twin Six, or as we know it, the 12-cylinder engine in 1932. The 473 cubic-inch engine used a Stromberg carburetor and produced 175 horsepower. Hydraulic brakes on all wheels provided ample stopping power.

The 1507 Model Packard had a wheelbase of 134 inches, not massive by the day's standards, but it still provided an impressive stance for this beautiful automobile. As with other Packard lines, a buyer could choose from a convertible, rumble seat coupe, club sedan, formal sedan, touring sedan, and others. The Packard Twelve was and is an impressive automobile, just 'ask the man that owns one.'

Coupe

For 1937 the Packard Twelve received several engineering improvements. Most notable were the new Packard Safe-T-Flex independent front suspension and more modern power-assisted hydraulic brakes. The coupe sits on a 139-inch wheelbase and weighs in at a significant 5,255 pounds. The price at the factory was $3,420. Packard Twelves enjoyed its biggest sales year in 1937 with a significant 1,300 units delivered as some relief from the effects of the Depression was being felt. The remarkable hood length of the Packard Twelve is readily apparent when contrasted with the compact passenger cabin.

Convertible Victoria

This car is one of a handful of Convertible Victorias originally built, and one of even fewer still in existence. In 1937, Packard made major changes to their senior models, including the frame, suspension, steering, and brakes. Likewise, the interior was treated to a significant upgrade.

This car's known history begins in 1963 when Irving Linden acquired the Packard with 200,000 miles on the odometer. Over a period of almost three years, the Packard was restored and painted the green of his wife's favorite dress. This car carries the Dietrich body plate, and Irving requested that Dietrich be photographed with the car once it was completed. One of the current owner's most prized possessions is the photograph capturing that shared moment of pride. This Packard 1507 Twelve Dietrich Convertible has been repainted in Aubergine and appears today fresh from a recent restoration by its current owners.

Roadster Coupe

This Packard 1507 is a 1937 V12 Coupe/Roadster and it is mostly original. The car has never been apart, and the owners know the paint is at least 50 years old. Some experts say it is original paint. Prior owner John Peterson bought this car from the original owner, then kept it for 50 years, the rest of his life. Peterson bought and sold over 40 Packards during his 50-year ownership, passing away at age 100. This 1507 Convertible Coupe was his favorite. One of 69 produced in 1937, it was driven on the 2022 CCCA Frontier Caravan Tour in Montana, Wyoming, and the Badlands of South Dakota. As a driver, this 1507 is smooth, powerful, very comfortable, and it keeps up with modern traffic. As one of the last big Packards, some say the 1507 was the finest car produced in the late 1930s.

Roadster Coupe
Chassis number: 280514

The year 1937 was an important one for Packard, with the advent of significant changes in style and engineering. The 1507 (15 is the series number, and 07 denotes the 139-inch wheelbase) featured a fully modified chassis with four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes (in place of the mechanical braking system on the 14th series) and an independent front suspension to replace the solid front axle. Mated to a three-speed gearbox, the substantial V12 473 cubic-inch engine was so smooth and silent, proponents claimed it was akin to being 'propelled along by a steam car!' Styling had also evolved, with the radiator assuming a relaxed tilt back toward the body, the perfect perch for the Packard Cormorant radiator mascot. In 1937, only 1,300 Packard Twelves were produced, most of them sedans, making this Coupe Roadster as both groundbreaking and rare.

Convertible
Chassis number: 1039-266

Packard re-introduced its 'Twin Six' for 1932 and the all-new V-12 models, soon renamed 'Packard Twelve,' were built through 1939. Engine displacement grew to 473 cubic inches by 1935, and the Fifteenth Series Packard, introduced in September 1936, came with a new Safe-T-Flex independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and disc-type steel wheels.

Twelve-cylinder models for 1937 included the Model 1506 on the 132.25-inch wheelbase chassis, Model 1507 on a 139.25-inch wheelbase, and Model 1508 with a 144.25-inch wheelbase.

It is believed that Packard built sixty-nine examples of the Convertible Coupe on the 1937 Packard 1507 chassis. John O. Bohmer purchased it in 1983 from Jim Strand of Lisbon, North Dakota, after seven to eight years of persistent acquisition attempts. A restoration performed by Scott Arnstrom of Lakeville, Minnesota, soon occurred, with the work including an engine rebuild and an exterior refinish in a 1965 Buick Riviera hue.

When the restoration was completed, the Packard Twelve participated in the 1991 CCCA Wisconsin tour, winning the William F. Crossett Award in recognition of the best car on its debut CARavan outing.

This Packard Twelve is powered by a 473 cubic-inch L-head twelve-cylinder engine with a single Stromberg carburetor and delivering 175 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. There is a three-speed selective synchromesh manul transmission and four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 1038 214
Engine number: 905963

Packard offered three different wheelbase lengths for the Twelve chassis for 1937 and thirteen different coachwork styles. Updated from the Fourteenth Series, these new Fifteenth Series Packards wore an even more rakishly angled radiator, redesigned bumpers, and front and rear doors that both opened from the center. The Senior modes' technical innovations included the company's first use of independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes with centrifuse drums.

It is believed that fewer than fifty examples of the 15th Series Twelve chassis were clothed by the factory with 2/4-passenger coupe coachwork. This particular example has Trippe lights, a radio, a deluxe heater with defroster, and a rumble seat. It was sold new by the Packard Motor Company of Delaware to Wilmington resident William Fenn. Frank Ewing acquired it in 1939, and he parked it around 1941 for a prolonged period of storage that lasted until July 1970.

After nearly thirty years of slumber, the car was acquired by Harold and Betty Bujwit of Lowell, Indiana. Jeff Peace of Lafayette, Indiana, purchased the car in 1984, and five years later, he sourced new gears (with the final drive ratio modified to 3.58:1) from the Hill and Vaughn for a rebuild of the rear end.

Chad and Barbara Hunt of Saratoga, California, purchased the car in 1989 and reportedly commissioned a body-off restoration and engine rebuild. After the work was completed, the car won first prize at a Packard National Meet. It is believed that the car was owned by two additional caretakers before it came into the care of its current Connecticut-based owner in 2018. In late 2020, marque specialist Parker's Packards was retained for mechanical freshening, which included a rebuild of the front brakes and shock absorbers.

Since the 1990s restoration, it is believed that this Packard has accrued roughly 1,000 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria

This 1937 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria was sympathetically restored in the 1970s, earning it a National First Prize in 1971 from the Antique Automobile Club of America. It has been upgraded with a 12-volt electrical system, an air-conditioning system hidden under the dash, a stereo system, and a rear axle ratio, allowing for higher speeds at lower RPMs. There is a set of rear-view mirrors, seat belts, and turn signals.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster Coupe

1937 was a glorious time for Packard! It had its best sales year ever. 122,593 finely crafted automobiles vanished from Packard showrooms all across the globe, including this sporty, 12-cylinder rumble seat roadster that was sold new in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

This luxurious roadster's features include an eye-popping red leather upholstery, dual side mount mirrors, spare tires, rear trunk, accessory driving lights, and dual golf bag doors.

Packard was flush with cash in 1937 after the sensational success of its lower-priced 120-Series, introduced two years earlier. A confident Packard offered 49 different models for 1937, from six-cylinder 115 C models that started at $795 to the most expensive Twelve production model, the 5-passenger convertible sedan that sold for $4,650.

Special Features

Engine refinements: 473 cubic inch V-12; 175 horsepower at 3,200 RPM; compression ratio: 6.0 standard, 6.4 and 7.0 operational; Ignition: 10mm spark plugs; Lubrication: pressure gun

Chassis refinements: axles: front, independent front suspension with Elliot ends; Suspension: front. Packard Safe-T-fleX independent, helical coiled springs; Braking: servi sealed hydraulic vacuum booster; Steering: ratio 20.5; wheels: steel disc, 8.25x16 tires; track: front, 60.25 inches, rear, 61 inches; wheelbase: 139.25 inches

Body refinements: Body types: touring, phaeton and sport phaeton special order only; Paint: fourteen standard selections; Lighting: control on instrument board and foot switch

Total production: 677

Base price: $3,450 (U.S. Dollars)

Roadster Coupe
Chassis number: 1039-259
Engine number: 906629

The 1937 Packard Fifteenth Series Twelve coupe roadster was a two-passenger convertible built on the 139-inch wheelbase 1507 chassis. Styling elements included the tapered headlights, rounded fenders, and a raked and painted radiator shell. The 473.3 cubic-inch L-head twelve-cylinder engine with a single Stromberg EE-3 carburetor produced 175 horsepower at 3,200 RPM and was paired with a three-speed manual transmission. At the front was a Safe-T-FleX independent suspension, while the rear had a live rear axle. Hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power. The chassis was modernized with smaller steel wheels.

By this point in history, Packard had begun to recover from the doldrums of earlier in the decade, with the company's fortunes resurrected by volume production of the Junior models. Sales topped out at 122,500 cars for the year, and while the mid-priced models bolstered the balance sheet, the Twelve continued to serve as Packard's flagship model offered to prominent and wealthy customers. Despite its prestigious image, a mere 1,300 examples in all body styles were produced, representing a tiny fraction of Packard's annual output.

The known history of this Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster begins in 1967, when historian Bob Supina recorded it in the ownership of Walt Dietzel of Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Packard, at the time, was noted to be in original condition and a restoration was soon forthcoming. It also had a full trunk rather than a rumble seat, as usually found and as presently configured.

The Packard was eventually restored by Fran Roxas and finished to its present appearance. It wears a Fifteenth Series shade called Almond Green, with a beige leather interior. The car retains what is believed to be its original vehicle number tag on the firewall, and there are dual side-mounted spares with metal covers and mirrors, a rear luggage rack, and subtle 'feathered bail' radiator cap.

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