This car is believed to have been the first of only two style number 4086 touring cabriolets built by Brunn on the Packard Twelve chassis in 1939, the final year of V-12 production. At $8,355 each, these were among the most expensive factory-authorized Packards ever built. This particular example is believed to have been originally delivered to Los Angeles through Packard’s “dealer to the stars” Earle C. Anthony. It is reported, but has never been confirmed, that the original owner of this car was successful Hollywood actor and bandleader Ray Noble, known for his appearances at New York City’s famed Rainbow Room.

This Touring Cabriolet was more recently owned by the late enthusiast Sam DelRusso Sr., of Connecticut, for many years, and then it was acquired from his estate by Robert Castignetti, of Massachusetts. The car later became part of the Richard and Linda Kughn Collection, from whom it was purchased by the current owner. It remains a very well-maintained and very original car that still wears what is believed to be its factory coat of black lacquer, which still holds a deep shine over straight, true body panels; only the paint around the windows has been redone. The tan cloth upholstery within is also believed to be original and is in very nice preserved condition, as is the interior hardware, which exhibits just mild tarnish and wear. The fabric top covering has been replaced at some point and shows minimal staining.

The walnut accents throughout the interior were refinished and highly varnished, and they have a deep, rich appeal. While the driver’s compartment is nicely detailed, the original steering wheel exhibits a few cracks. An interesting feature on the car is its optional column shift for the transmission, which was an option available on the 1939 models, making this one of the few CCCA Classics to boast a column-shifted transmission. The exterior brightwork is in good condition, and the car is equipped with wide whitewall tires. Dual side-mounted spares, coupled with a commodious trunk and an external folding trunk rack, give real meaning to the term “touring” cabriolet. The side-mount covers are fitted with Packard See-Rite side-view mirrors.

Perhaps the most fascinating, evocative touch on this car is the custom original umbrella, which is housed in a special compartment in the driver’s area, ready to be whisked out by the chauffeur at a moment’s notice to protect cherished clientele against the elements. Another especially interesting feature is the pair of stylish dual-tinted glass “Neutralite” skylights mounted above the windshield, which was a Brunn innovation that was intended to increase visibility for the driver. The fabric top features an elegant cabriolet bar and is semi-collapsible, with the rear portion folding down to provide enjoyable open air motoring to the rear passengers.

Given its overall condition and careful examination of all components, this appears to be a thoroughly original automobile that has been maintained but never fully restored, and the 59,874 miles recorded may well be the original reading since new.

Only 446 Packard Twelves were built in 1939, with the total number of all versions of Brunn touring cabriolets estimated at fewer than 10 examples. These touring cabriolets were among the last factory catalogue custom V-12 Packards, and they were also the most expensive. As a result, this is the perfect opportunity to acquire one of the rarest of the rare from the final year of the V-12 Packard, and one in very much its original condition.