Series 1508. Model no. L-395. 175 bhp, 473 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission with vacuum-assisted clutch, independent coil-spring front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 144.25"

- The only 1937 Packard Twelve LeBaron All-Weather Town Car known to exist

- A CCCA Senior award-winner shown at Pebble Beach

- Best Closed Car, 2008 Barrington Concours

Launched in 1932 and initially named “Twin Six” to reflect the V-12 of 1916-1923, Packard’s all-new 12-cylinder motor car assumed flagship status and became an instant legend. Simply known from 1933 on as the “Packard Twelve,” the model line offered a myriad of body styles, including standard production models and many Dietrich designs, which were supplemented by those from Brunn and LeBaron during the Twelve’s final years.

Packard introduced new, highly streamlined bodies for 1935, and the Twelve was no exception. Mechanically, the V-12 gained lighter-weight aluminum cylinder heads and pistons. An additional quarter-inch of stroke brought displacement to 473 cubic inches and climbed to 175 bhp. For 1937’s 15th Series, an all-new coil-sprung independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes were shared with the Super Eight, and the Twelve also received both a vacuum-assisted clutch and brakes. While total Packard production for 1937 topped 87,000 units, the Twelve represented 1,300 of those cars. Of those, this Model 395 LeBaron All-Weather Town Car was the most expensive on price alone at $5,900. It is also quite possibly the only example built on the top-of-the-line Model 1508 Twelve chassis with its regal 144¼-inch wheelbase. According to Packard Club members, it is the only known example of its kind to exist.

It was sold by the Jenkintown, Pennsylvania Packard dealer to Selia Carnil, and after her death in 1940, it returned to the dealer and was sold to a relative of Harold Pitcairn of Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. Interestingly, Mr. Pitcairn was the founder of Pitcairn Aircraft and the youngest son of PPG Industries founder, John Pitcairn, Jr. Next, the Town Car was sold during the early 1950s to Phil Steen of Chatham, New Jersey, under whom it was restored and finished in black. In 1958, he sold it to R. Gross, through whom the car passed to Les Hartman of Wisconsin.

Since Mr. Hartman was in the process of moving to Arizona at the time of the transaction, the Town Car was shipped there directly. Mr. Hartman sold it to Guy Apple of Mesa, Arizona, before it passed through two more known owners and was acquired by Don Harter of Holmdel, New Jersey in November 1976.

In Mr. Harter’s lengthy ownership, the car was almost completely restored. Its prior history was researched, Hibernia Auto Restoration restored the engine and chassis, and it was refinished at the award winning Stone Barn restorations. New high-speed rear-axle gears were installed, and the car is equipped with desirable high-compression cylinder heads. Eventually the car was acquired by Harry Clark, who commissioned Custom Auto Service to complete the interior upholstery and final details. Mr. Clark then placed the rare Packard on display at the Murphy Museum in Oxnard, California.

Shown extensively in Southern California and at such prestigious venues as Amelia Island and Pebble Beach, this singular Packard Twelve LeBaron All-Weather Town Car also bears CCCA Senior badge number 2333. Most recently in 2008, the car was awarded Best Closed Car at Chicago’s Barrington Concours. According to its current owner, the LeBaron Town Car runs and drives beautifully. To Packard enthusiasts, this unique motor car combines all necessary elements of rarity, coachbuilt elegance, the mighty 12-cylinder motor and, of course, known history.