Packard’s 15th Series of 1937 represented the best of both worlds. Outside, it remained a conservatively elegant automobile with finely tailored lines and elegant appointments, with the body, hood, fenders, and running boards incorporated into a smooth and slightly modern design. Yet, this was still clearly a Classic Era Packard, with its towering radiator shell, proud bullet-shaped headlights, and flowing skirted fenders. Underneath, several modern mechanical improvements could be found, most notably the introduction of the “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension on “senior” Packards and the adoption of hydraulic brakes.

As a result of these changes, the 15th Series Packards, most prominently the top-of-the-line 12-cylinder models, are widely regarded as among the most drivable cars of the Classic Era. They have an almost modern feel, with the smooth, effortless engineering of hydraulic brakes and a vacuum-boosted brake and clutch, and their performance is well-suited to modern roads. As such, the most desirable open body styles are only rarely offered for sale. Ask the Man Who Owns One…because he is probably going to keep it for a long time.

The car offered here retains its original firewall tag, number 1039-212, noting its delivery through Hollywood, California, dealer W.H. Collins on December 10, 1936. It subsequently made its way to Alberta, Canada, where Packard historian Charles Blackman recorded its existence during the 1960s as a complete and intact automobile, carrying engine number 905964, as is still installed today. Shortly thereafter it was dismantled for restoration, and in this form was eventually acquired by its current owner and returned to California in the early 1980s.

The Packard was restored, with cosmetic work by the former AutoEuropa of Martinez, California, which was responsible for several Pebble Beach Concours Best of Show winners during the early 1980s. More recently, within the last two years the owner recounts that the engine was rebuilt by Steve Messenger, of Just Packards, also in Martinez. A high-speed rear axle was fitted, to enable relaxed highway cruising.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fine Twelve, in the most desirable style from arguably one of the greatest model years, from its devoted home of many years.