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1936 Packard Model 1407 Twelve

Had it not been for Alexander Winton, the legendary Packard automobile probably would never have been produced. When James Ward Packard purchased a 'Winton' in 1898, he was very dissatisfied with the car. He relayed his thoughts and experiences with the car to Mr. Winton who suggested that Mr. Packard should try to build a better car of his own. By November of 1899, with the assistance of his brother and two former Winton employees, Packard produced his first car. Four additional cars were built that year and 47 of a 'Model B' in 1900. It was not long before the slogan 'Ask the Man Who Owns One' was adopted.

Packard automobiles were in high demand until the Great Depression cut production by nearly half each year when compared with the previous. Even with slipping sales, Packard continued to refine their vehicles, making improvements from year to year.

In 1936, Packard employed 5,100 production workers with 2,500 of them assigned to building the 5,985 senior cars that would be produced that year. The remaining 2,600 employees work on the other 55,042 Packard 120 Models created that year. This division of labor, with nearly half of the employees working on 10% of the vehicles, represented the level of detail, quality, and craftsmanship that went into the senior automobiles which were priced considerably higher than the 'Junior' model.

The fourteenth series for 1936 had only minor differences from the cars of 1935, the most significant change being a new radiator, which was raked back five degrees to give the car a sleeker look. 1936 was the final year for the 17-inch wire wheels and the traditional double-blade bumpers with hydraulic dampers.

The Twelve was offered in many different body styles including several different four-door sedan configurations.

The 473.3 cubic-inch twelve-cylinder engine had four main bearings, a Stromberg-Duplex carburetor, various compression ratios (6.0;1, 6.24:1, and 7.0:1), and developed 175 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The engine was backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a single plate clutch and floor shift controls. Mechanical-vacuum assist brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power. The Series 1407 rested on a 139-inch wheelbase (the same as the Super 8 Series 1404) and was priced from $3,850 to $6,400. The Seris 1408 had a 144-inch wheelbase (shared with the Super 8 Series1405) and was priced from $4,285 to $6,435. The total 1936 Packard Twelve production was 682 units.

by Dan Vaughan

Dual Cowl Phaeton by Dietrich
Chassis number: 904299
Engine number: 921204

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 Dan Vaughan

Speedster
Engine number: 904080

Packard's introduction of their twelve-cylinder engine in 1915 is said to have been inspired by the Sunbeam V12 race car. The engine, dubbed the twin-six, was produced until 1923.

A completely new twelve-cylinder engine was introduced on January 9th of 1932 and brought with it many changes, such as a larger displacement size. It was designed to operate with a three-speed gearbox and was suited for large and luxurious automobiles that needed to outpace their competition, in keeping with Packard's tradition as a leader in the American car market.

The 1930s was a tough time for automobile producers due to the Great Depression and stiff competition. Cadillac and Marmon introduced sixteen-cylinder engines, and Lincoln had their powerful V12, to name a few.

The Great Depression also brought about the realization that a smaller, less-powerful Packard was needed to stimulate sales and increase cash flow. Packard began with a wheelbase that measured 120 inches, outfitted it with an eight-cylinder engine, and styling characteristics of a Packard. The wheelbase size was used for its name, the 120. The success of this endeavor gave Packard the financial stability to continue its pedigree of being one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers.

For 1936, little changed from the prior year. The Series Fourteen cars of 1936 were given a Delco-Remy ignition system and the trademark radiator was sloped an additional five degrees. Chrome strips were added to the headlights. A total of 682 examples of the V12s were produced.

This 1936 Packard V12 Speedster was created in the 1980s using 1936 Twelve running gear and a body style similar to the Auburn Boattail Speedsters. The black and turquoise livery matches the elegant and flamboyant design cues such as the teardrop style fenders and boattail configuration. It is an Art-Deco-themed car, in the style of an Auburn 852, with a slight identity crisis.

Before being brought to Christie's auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center', it was in the same collection for nearly two decades. It has an older restoration that has aged very gracefully. The V12 L-head engine displaces 473.3 cubic inches and produces 175 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and vacuum-assisted hydraulic drums on all four corners. It was estimated to sell between $200,000 - $400,000 with the final sale price being $346,500 including the buyer's premium.

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 1939209

This 1936 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster Series 1407 with chassis number 1939209 sat atop of a 139-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 473 cubic-inch twelve-cylinder engine capable of producing nearly 180 horsepower. Stopping power was provided by four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical brakes while the three-speed manual gearbox sent the power to the rear wheels.

This is just one of the 682 Twelve series chassis that Packard produced in 1936. It was sold to Warren Baxter, a Depression-era Hollywood star with some of his starring roles including the 1933 film 42nd Street.

The vehicle includes accessories such as a Packard heater, Cormorant radio with an antenna concealed in the convertible roof, and a clock. It is equipped with two-position ride adjustments and a rumble seat. There are dual side-mounted spare tires with covers and body-colored wire wheels.

Up to this point in history, it has never been shown.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster

This 1936 Packard 1407 Convertible Coupe rides on a 139-inch wheelbase, weighs 5,585 pounds, and sold new for $4,890.

It is powered by a 473 cubic-inch V12 engine developing 175 horsepower.

Sport Phaeton

The year 1936 was the last year that Packard produced Phaetons. This V12 is one of just a handful built and the only known example without side-mounted spare tires. Delivered new to the Japanese Embassy in Canada, it is powered by a 473-cubic-inch V12 and sits on a 139-inch wheelbase. Special features include adjustable ride control and power brakes.

Club Sedan
Chassis number: 904521

From 1929 to 1933, Packard production dropped by nearly half each year when compared to the prior year. This was the result of a struggling economy, the Great Depression, and increased competition. For 1935, the Packard automobiles received numerous refinements such as more horsepower, improved suspension and steering, and new envelope styling bodies. 1935 was the first time the Packard was designed as a whole, meaning the hood, body, fenders, and running boards were integrated into a design that has been hailed as one of the most attractive bodies of the era.

This example is finished in dark green with a tan cloth interior. The 473 cubic-inch side-valve 12-cylinder engine produces 175 horsepower. There is a three-speed synchromesh manual gearbox and four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical brakes. It was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $50,000 - $60,000. The car carried no reserve, meaning the high bid would become the new owner. As the gavel fell, the lot was sold for $46,200 including the buyer's premium.

In 2009, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $70,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $55,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich
Chassis number: 904719

This example is a five-passenger Convertible Victoria that has a sporty persona combined with a two-door open style that offers luxury, comfort, and performance. The top, designed by Dietrich's designers, looks elegant when up, and hides almost completely out-of-sight when folded.

This example is one of just 682 Twelve's built by Packard in 1936. Its early ownership history is not known except that it was delivered new by the noted California Packard dealer, Earle C. Anthony. By the 1980s, the car was in the ownership of Gerry Mariani. It was later sold via RM Classic Cars to Lloyd Needham. Seven years later, ownership changed to its current owner.

This car is painted in Packard Blue, and has a tan leather interior, brushed nickel, rich wood grain, and a Hartz cloth top. There are twin side-mounted spares, fitted with matching original metal covers and accessory rearview mirrors. It also has the very rare optional in-dash radio which was very expensive at the time.

It was awarded the Best in Show trophy at the Willistead Concours in 1999 and has also received its CCCA Senior and Premier awards in national competition.

In 2008 this 1936 Packard Twelve (Series 1407) Convertible Victoria was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $325,000 - $400,000. Those estimates were proven accurate as a high bid of $385,000 including the buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership.

A year later, it car was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $250,000-$350,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $253,000, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 93923220867S112539

This 2/4-Passenger Coupe Roadster is the 32nd example of just 682 Fourteenth Series Twelves built by Packard for the 1936 model year. It was originally owned by Harry Reisberg of Marriottsville, Maryland, who traded the car in 1954 to Bob Fleigh Incorporated, a Baltimore-based Studebaker dealer. George F. Towner, a Defense Projects Engineering manager at Westinghouse, purchased the car on September 28th of 1954. A short time later, Towner began a restoration effort aimed at bringing it back to its original condition. Upon completion, the car earned a First Prize Award from the CCCA, and was given badge number 53 as confirmation.

Much of its history during the 1960s and 1970s is not known, though it did receive a high-point, nut-and-bolt restoration in New Jersey during the 1980s. It was presented with an AACA Senior National First Prize in 1986 and had the badge affixed to the front bumper, where it remains in modern times.

The current owner purchased the car in the 1980s and has carefully maintained it in a large private collection on the East Coast. It currently has just 12,725 miles and remains in excellent condition. It has a deep black finish with good brightwork, a tan canvas top, and a tan leather interior. There are a number of period accessories, including a Cormorant mascot, a pair of Trippe lights, dual side-mounted spare tires with metal covers and rearview mirrors, a complete set of chrome wire wheels, and a rear trunk rack.

In 2009, this Ford Deluxe Station Wagon was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $275,000-$375,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $264,000 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Dual Cowl Phaeton by Dietrich

This Phaeton is one of approximately seven 12-cylinder Dual Cowls ever built by Packard. It was one of the last built and was delivered in March 1939. It was also the last year of the straight axle, wire wheels, and mechanical brakes.

This car came from California approximately 35 years ago to a collector in Connecticut. 1939 was the last year Packard built a Dual Cowl.

For 1936 only 682 Twelves were built and that number was spread over 15 different body styles. Packard's small eight - the 120 - had been introduced in 1935. By 1939, the small eights and sixes constituted most of Pacakrd's production.

This dual-cowl phaeton was built on a 193-inch wheelbase. For 1936, a few styling changes were made to the Super Eight and Twelve. The price of this model in 1936 was approximately $4,190.

Convertible Victoria by Dietrich

The Packard 14th Series of 1936 remained nearly identical to the 12th Series, which had been introduced in 1935. Packard, like many other companies, had skipped over using the number 13 for any of its Series designations, due to the superstition of it being an unlucky number.

This was the 17th Packard V-12 produced in 1936. It was said to be delivered to its new owner, a member of President Franklin Roosevelt's cabinet, on November 18, 1935, by the Washington DC Packard dealership.

Club Sedan
Chassis number: 903338

Initially designed by C.W. van Ranst with Tommy Milton and refined by Charles Vincent, brother of engineering head Col. Jesse Vincent, the Twelve boasted 322 foot-pounds of torque. The valve stems, which were nearly horizontal, operated by a camshaft deep in the engine's heads through roller rockers on hydraulically adjusted eccentrics produced a nearly silent result. For 1935, the aluminum heads and a longer stroke raised the engine displacement to 473 cubic inches and horsepower to 175 HP. Zero-to-sixty miles per hour took about twenty seconds with 100 mph being attainable.

This museum-quality Club Sedan was bought in New York in the late-1950s by a resident of a small southeast Minnesota town. The individual owned the car for 42 years, only driving it in parades. The car has been re-upholstered in vinyl and has never been completely repainted.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $40,000 to $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $34,100 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster
Engine number: 904479

Packards Twin Six was introduced in 1932 and renamed to the Twelve in 1933 until its discontinuation in 1939. The Twelve was initially designed by C.W. van Ranst with Tommy Milton and refined by Charles Vincent, brother of engineering head Col. Jesse Vincent.

The 322 foot-pounds of torque produced by the engine were enough to carry the car from zero-to-sixty mph in 20 seconds. The valve stems were nearly horizontal and operated by a camshaft deep in the engine block through roller rockers on hydraulically-adjusted eccentrics, offering nearly silent operation. For 1935, Packard installed aluminum heads and a longer stroke which gave enlarged the displacement size to 473 cubic inches and increased horsepower to 175.

This V-12 Packard is a coupe roadster that was given a four-year nut-and-bolt restoration by Automotive Restorations of Connecticut. It has earned Best of Show at the Greenwich Concours, as well as two firsts and a best of Class at the Meadow Brook Concours. It scored 100 points in CCCA competition and holds Senior honors with that club, as well as the AACA.

The car has dual spotlights, senior Trippe lights, a Packard radio, a heater, and high compression heads, the latter acquired as 'new-old-stock.'

The 473 cubic-inch side-valve V12 engine is mated to a three-speed synchromesh manual gearbox. There is a front beam axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and a live rear axle setup with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drum brakes can be found at all four corners.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Roadster
Chassis number: 939-201
Engine number: 904052

The cylinder wars during the late 1920s and early 1930s had most luxury marques scrambling to create a suitable powerplant that could compete with other engines on the market while still retaining their exclusivity and style. Cadillac and Marmon produced a 16-cylinder unit and Peerless was following closely with their development of a 16-cylinder unit. Duesenberg's Model J was powered by a twin-overhead cam eight, and in 1932, Packard introduced its V-12.

Packard produced an impressive 55,042 cars for the 1936 model year. However, the total production of the Senior models - the Eight, Super Eight, and Twelve - was just 5,985 units, including just 682 Twelves powered by Packard's silky smooth 445 CID, 175 horsepower V12 powerplant. Low production numbers of the Senior models only add to the desirability and collectability of such cars today.

This particular example was the New York Auto Show car for 1936 and is fitted with Body number 201, which makes it the first built for 1936.

Sport Phaeton
Chassis number: 921-205
Engine number: 904502

Among the more streamlined 1936 Packards, the Fourteenth Series Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton adhered to Packard's classic-era lines. The 5-passenger touring car still featured a second cowl and windshield for the rear compartment when many wealthy clientele were ordering more modern convertibles with roll-up windows. Perhaps due to this rather old-fashioned style, it is thought that just five examples were made in 1936 - and this car is believed to be the final one produced on the 1407 Twelve chassis. After several owners, the car was acquired in 1994 by Ronald Benach and fully restored by marque expert Fran Roxas before being shown at the 1996 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

All Weather Cabriolet by LeBaron

1936 was a very good year for Packard, with over 80,000 cars leaving the Michigan factory. The Packard Twelve was the top of the range with its 7.8-liter V12 engine producing 175 horsepower. Only 682 Packard Twelve chassis were built in 1936 and they carried a variety of factory-built bodies, although a few were sent to coachbuilders such as LeBaron.

The 1407 Series All Weather Cabriolet was sold as a special-order LeBaron model and was as luxurious as it was stylish. It was also one of Packard's most expensive models at $6,290. This rare example was first sold new in Hollywood, California, and was later owned by silent film star Charlie Chaplin. After it was sold in 1971 the car was then used by several Hollywood studios and has appeared in films including The Godfather (1972) and The Betsy (1978), which starred Laurence Olivier. It was also in TV productions 'Falcon Crest' and 'Remington Steele.'

903174


Chassis number: 903174

This Packard Twelve Victoria Coupe Model 1407 is powered by a side-valve, twelve-cylinder engine with a 473 cubic-inch displacement, 175 horsepower, a three-speed synchromesh manual transmission, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drum brakes. Its wheelbase measures 139 inches.

Most of the Packard Twelves wore one of several different four-door sedan bodies, while only a few received the sporting coupe bodies. This example is finished in charcoal grey with a matching grey interior and accented with twin side-mounted spares, fitted with matching metal covers and accessory rearview mirrors. Its in-dash radio was a rare and expensive option.

The car wears an older restoration that is still very presentable.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 937-209
Engine number: 904319

One of the rarest of body styles found on Packard Twelves is the Coupe for five passengers. The exact numbers are not known but surviving examples are quite rare. The 1936 TWelves offered a gently sloping radiator that flowed into the more modern body lines of the mid-1930s. Elaborate wooden window garnish moldings featured silver inlays. The second owner of this car bought it in 1954, taking it to the famed Minneapolis Packard dealer Joy Brothers for its first refurbishment. The luxury of having a local Packard dealer would only last two more years!

Coupe Roadster

Packard used the terminology 'Coupe Roadster' for their 2-passenger convertible body style, reflecting the progression of that style from a true open roadster to a modern body, switchable from completely open motoring to a fully enclosed cabin with roll-up windows. Weighing a serious 5,495 pounds, the Packard Twelve was made remarkably easy to drive by excellent steering geometry, power brakes, and even a power-assisted clutch pedal. Displacement increased to 473 cubic inches on the Twelve, providing 175 horsepower. The Coupe Roadster sold for $3,850 and is one of 682 Twelves sold in 1936.

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