Eleventh Series, Model 1107. 160 bhp, 445 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, Stromberg downdraft carburetion featuring automatic cold start, three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission, vacuum-assisted clutch, shaft drive with hypoid rear axle, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 142"

- Concours restoration completed in early 2000s

- CCCA and AACA award winner

- High-speed rear axle

Packard’s Twelve was, in many ways, the signature car of the classic era; it was the top-of-the-line offering from America’s leading manufacturer of fine cars. A conservative car with finely tailored lines, it had elegant appointments, a refined chassis and a whisper-quiet, 12-cylinder engine.

The vendor acquired the striking example offered here, a 5-Passenger Sport Phaeton, in September 2010. In examining the car today, it is not possible to verify whether the coachwork is original to this chassis. If one assumes, however, that the numbers stamped in the reproduction data plate are correct, then this was the 18th five-passenger phaeton built, and it was delivered to its first owner on November 20, 1933. Weighing a mammoth 5,415 pounds and sold with a base price of $3,890 when new, this commanding car was a relative bargain when the cost of some Twelve models approached $6,000 to $7,000.

This Twelve was restored during the early 2000s to concours-level standards, resulting in the achievement of AACA National First Prize honors in 2004 and a CCCA Senior First Prize ( CCCA badge number 1514). After nearly 10 years, while the restoration has aged slightly from use, the car nevertheless presents very well. The red and grey exterior finish, brightwork and tan folding top are all still very attractive. A comprehensive list of period accessories enhances its dashing bodylines, including a pair of Trippe driving lights, dual chrome-plated horns, dual cowl lights, dual side-mounted spares with Packard-scripted chrome mirrors, wind wings and a rear luggage rack and trunk. A spot-lamp is at the driver’s disposal as well. Inside, the tan leather upholstery remains very presentable, notwithstanding some evidence of age and use. The dash, with Packard’s beautiful and comprehensively equipped instrument panel, is superb.

Understood to run and drive very well, with its prodigious open-air touring capabilities enhanced by a high-speed rear axle, this Eleventh-Series Packard Twelve Sport Phaeton is a design and engineering masterpiece.