Lot 142

St. John's 2012

1933 Packard Twelve Club Sedan

From the Collection of William Ruger Jr.

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$110,000 USD | Sold

United States | Plymouth, Michigan

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Engine No.
901229
Vehicle No.
636-40

Model 1005. 160 bhp, 445.5 cu. in. modified L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 142"

• Sympathetic restoration by Fran Roxas

• An important restoration reference

• Offered from the collection of William Ruger Jr.

This beautiful club sedan was owned from the early-1950s until the early- to mid-1990s, by A.F. Mittermaier, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. It remained in good, original condition through a succession of owners in the 1990s until being acquired by William Ruger Jr. from Joe Morgan in the late-1990s. Fran Roxas was commissioned to perform a repaint in the original blue color. The elaborate yet muted pinstriping was reproduced in the exact original style, the roomy interior was reupholstered in the original style, and the finish was complemented by details like the original cigarette lighters. The instrument panel and steering wheel are untouched, as are rubber elements like the pedal covers, window gaskets, and running boards.

The chassis was respectfully cleaned up; although, the leaf springs were disassembled, smoothed, oiled, and finished with English-style gaiters for better operation. The engine bay remains unrestored and the circa 50,000-mile engine has never been disassembled, except for a valve job.

Very little original chrome was found to be distracting; the headlights and horns were replated, but the bumpers, fender lights, and door hardware inside and out retain all of their original surfaces. Adding to the elegance and style of this club sedan are the dual side-mounted spares with full metal covers and pedestal mirrors complemented by vee’d Solar headlamps and fender lamps.

The ex-Mittermaier Packard Twelve is very well-known in collecting circles and always a popular sight wherever it is shown. The thoughtful restoration work by Fran Roxas has maintained the integrity of this car’s originality, and it has been utilized as a restoration reference many times before and after the work was carried out. It can be shown with pride at concours events or would make the perfect CARavan tourer.