In the final year of Packard Twelve production, the 17th series cars were produced in desperately small numbers. Production of the convertible sedan, style number 1253, accounted for only a small number of sales, with just 20 built. When considering pre-war cars, a survival rate of 50 percent would be considered phenomenal. Of the 20 convertible sedans built, it is believed that fewer than six survive today.

Packard’s 1939 twelve-cylinder engine numbers ran sequentially, from B602001 to B602497, indicating that this car, having engine number 122, was early in the production run. It has a well-known history and has essentially been in Pennsylvania for its entire life. Well-known collector and one-time owner Bernard Berman knew it from the time that it was sold new there, although his ownership of the car did not begin until the year 2000, when he was able to acquire it from the original owner’s family.

Mr. Berman sold the Packard to another well-known Pennsylvania collector, Nicola Bulgari, for whom it underwent a sympathetic restoration, with the focus being on creating outstanding operational condition while still maintaining the car’s originality. While the entire drivetrain was restored and updated with high-speed gears for highway driving, the interior is highly original. The original seat upholstery is even preserved beneath thoughtfully applied newer seat covers, as a reference for future work. It is difficult to determine if the Packard Maroon exterior finish is original or the result of a historical repaint, but the Bulgari restoration retained it either way. Directional indicators with a convenient column stalk were also added in period.

Since the consignor acquired the car from Mr. Bulgari, it has been further maintained in its highly original configuration and has been prepared for highway driving. The convertible sedan coachwork, as styled by Packard, is a body style for all seasons, and it includes fully removable window posts, which provide a sporting look when the top is down. When the top is up, a glass divider allows this five-passenger car to function as a limousine, should the owner choose. Other wonderful touches include dual side-mounted spares, an original Packard radio, and beautiful woodwork and wood-grained interior trim.

This is a beautiful automobile in which one can see and be seen, and in which one can enjoy the unparalleled smoothness and power of Packard’s final V-12.