Lot 156

Hershey 2016

1937 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan

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$275,000 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Vehicle no.
1073-232
  • The most desirable Fifteenth Series chassis, with factory hydraulic brakes
  • Very rare convertible sedan coachwork, in beautiful colors
  • Beautifully and authentically restored by a marque specialist
  • Classic Car Club of America (CCCCA) Full Classic

Series 1508. 175 bhp, 473.3 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, independent coil-spring front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 144 in.

While the 1936 models had been virtually unchanged from previous years, Packard’s Fifteenth Series of 1937 brought a comprehensive series of mechanical improvements, especially to the top-of-the-line twelve-cylinder models. Most notable of these improvements was the introduction of “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension, which was based on the sound design of the junior One-Twenty and debuted on the “senior” Packard models. Other improvements included the adoption of hydraulic brakes and disc-type steel wheels and the elimination of the Bijur central-chassis lubrication system. This would be the final year that the Twelve was offered on the massive 144-inch wheelbase chassis, which would become a thing of the past for 1938, as all Twelves were “downsized.”

Offered here is the 1508 Twelve Convertible Sedan, which represents Packard’s largest and most expensive production-bodied offering of 1937, and can rightfully be considered one of the ultimate Twelves of any era. This particular example is believed to have been originally delivered by the Packard Westchester Company of White Plains, New York. It was fully restored a decade ago by Ray Belsito, known for his high-quality and award-winning restorations of many Full Classics over the years, especially Packards.

Beautifully finished in the correct color scheme of Buckingham Gray with red leather upholstery, the car presents beautifully in all regards, with a rich, lustrous paint finish, and an interior that is tight and fresh, and correct to the original specifications, with rich woodgraining. The car is equipped with all of the best accessories, including a correct radio and heater, as well as dual driving lights, covered side-mounted spares with mirrors, and a painted rear-mounted luggage rack with an original Packard metal trunk. Even under the hood appears in beautiful order. According to the consignor, the car underwent a complete servicing and detailing in the past year, and he reports that it runs and drives beautifully.

The advanced specifications of the Fifteenth Series Twelve make it one of the most popular automobiles in the Classic Car Club of America, as desirable for showing as it would be for the club’s famous long-distance CARavans, as the 1937 model boasts much-improved performance and stopping power. The car offered here benefits from a beautiful restoration and one of the most beautiful, desirable body styles. It would be a superb addition to any Full Classic collection.