For Packard, the Fourteenth Series of 1936 marked a turning point, as the company’s styling grew ever more streamlined, and certain models bowed for the final time. Among the latter was the dual-cowl sport phaeton, a five-passenger touring car with a full second cowl and windshield in the rear compartment. The wealthy clientele who once insisted upon this style for their summer houses were now preferring convertibles with roll-up windows, and so production of the sport phaeton had waned over the early 1930s.

Historians believe that just five original authentic examples were made in 1936, all of them more or less custom-ordered by their first owners; four remain today. The car shown here, body number 5, was the last produced. In other words, this car is likely the final twelve-cylinder dual-cowl phaeton produced by the Packard factory.

The sport phaeton was delivered new by the Packard Motor Company of New York, on 57th Street in Manhattan, on 16 November 1936, as noted on its original firewall tag – which, importantly, also identifies the car as a correct and genuine sport phaeton, body code 921. Its known history includes the well-known Florida collectors, Don Vesley and Rick Carroll. Shortly before his untimely passing in 1989, Mr. Carroll sold the Packard to Don Mayoras, who used it for several years, driving it extensively. It was subsequently acquired by its current owner, a respected Midwestern collector, and fully restored by the renowned Fran Roxas.

At the completion of the restoration, the Packard was shown at the 1996 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, winning 3rd in Class, with a return appearance, as a display-only entrant, in 2010. It was also judged by the Classic Car Club of America as a Senior First Prize winner, and wears Senior badge no. 2178. Recently detailed cosmetically, it is still in remarkable condition, with a fine top and interior, and beautiful, deep, rich Packard Blue paint on straight, well-fitting body panels. In fact, it would continue to be an impressive entrant on any concours field.

A Packard of historic significance and wonderful authenticity, in beautiful condition, this car would be a cornerstone in any Full Classic collection.