Frame Off Restored CCCA Senior 1 of 69 Packard Twelve 473 V12 3 Speed Manual

Description

SUMMARY

1 of 1,300 1937 Packard Twelves produced
Believed to be 1 of 69 1937 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadsters produced
473 cubic inch L-head V12
3-speed synchromesh manual transmission
Awarded CCCA Senior Premier status
Awarded AACA National First Prize
Completed a 900-mile CCCA CARavan
Sale includes restoration receipts
16-inch steel wheels
Hydraulic drum brakes

For almost 60 years Packard was the standard by which many Americans defined the very best. And in the 1930s, when the marque was tops in the luxury car market, elegant offerings like this magnificent Twelve rightfully earned the tagline 'Boss of the Road'. As smooth now as it was over seven decades ago, this defiantly massive convertible is the absolute pinnacle of pre-war automotive luxury. Enjoyed by only three owners, the car is a known, authentic example of one of the most desirable Classic Era Packards on the planet. As one of only 1,300 1937 Twelves produced, it has been awarded a National First Prize from the AACA and First Senior honors from the CCCA. And presently, it sits as a well-documented, professionally restored cruiser that's an elegant representation of some of America's best history!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The 15th Series was a conservatively elegant automobile that gave credibility to Packard marketeers' claims of products "as modem as an architectural design by Frank Lloyd Wright". Despite the same finely tailored lines and top-notch appointments, the brand's transition to more streamlined styling would be increasingly evident throughout the decade. But, at its core, the Twelve remained a Classic Era Packard, featuring a towering radiator shell, bullet-shaped headlights, a trademark chrome grille, flowing, skirted fenders, and a familiar 'Cormorant' hood ornament.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN

In the age of 16-cylinder luxury, the Twelve was one of the fastest cars you could buy for anything less than Duesenberg money. That said; the higher-powered offerings from Cadillac, Marmon and Pierce-Arrow could probably nip a Packard Twelve in a close race. But a modified mill like this roadster's 473 cubic inch L-head V12 certainly wasn't something to readily bet against.

For 1937, the Twelve's running gear underwent the most radical redesign in its history. The car's traditional 3-speed synchromesh transmission was augmented with an independent front suspension, marketed as "Safe-T-Flex", a proven hydraulic brake system and steel disk wheels. This resulted in 15th Series Packards, most prominently the top-of-the-line 12-cylinder models, being widely regarded as some of the most driver-friendly cars of the Classic Era; with the smooth, effortless engineering of vacuum-boosted brakes and a vacuum-boosted clutch being particularly well-suited to modern roads. As such, the most desirable open body styles are only rarely offered for sale.

HISTORY

The Coupe Roadster pictured here is a known, authentic and exclusive classic that's believed to be 1 of only 69 builds. The car still has its original firewall tag. Its history is known all the way back to the 1950s. And, for over half a century, this drop-top was the prized possession of well-known Southern California enthusiast Bob Hance, who regularly displayed it at CCCA activities and Golden State Concours d'Elegance.

In 2001, when Mr. Hance decided to sell his 2-owner gem, a ground-up, professional restoration was well documented via photographs and receipts. Naturally, that restoration involved impeccable attention to detail, featuring items such as correct pinstripe patterning, a correct leather interior, correct wool carpet and a correctly detailed engine bay. And the car wears many factory accessories including: a heater, a trunk rack, a correct 30-gallon fuel gauge indicator, a factory-installed AM radio that's wired to an under-car antenna and chrome wheel covers that are complete with Packard cloisonne emblems.

Since that restoration the car has seen quite a few significant milestones, achieving CCCA Senior Premier status, being recorded as a 2009 AACA National First Prize winner and completing a 900-mile CCCA CARavan.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

An original dealer brochure
Copies of vintage marketing photos
A breakdown of 1937 Packard color combinations
1937 Packard color chips
A Data Book
A Service Parts List
An Accessory Merchandising Manual
An Owner's Manual
A copy of the car's 1959 registration
A book of restoration photos
Stacks of restoration receipts
A handwritten list of the 69 Twelve Coupe Roadsters believed to exist.
A short article documenting the car's appearance at the 2007 Forest Grove Concours

Exotic and stately, this Twelve is an ultimate Packard from the greatest era. From its excellent restoration to its stellar history, the car is equally at home both in the museum and on the road. And, just as it was 78 years ago, the car is an ideal automobile for showing and happily driving.