Packard celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1939 which, sadly, marked the final year for the massive Packard Twelve. Unfortunately, the era of beautiful, long-wheelbase, high-powered, ultra-expensive custom cars was coming to an end. Today, it seems ironic that the most beautiful and extravagant American cars were built at a time when financial conditions were the worst possible. Yet, that is what makes the cars so desirable to today’s discriminating collectors.

For 1939, the Packard Twelves remained virtually unchanged. They were the only Packard series to use the 134- and 139-inch-wheelbase chassis, as well as the only series upon which custom bodies could be ordered. Despite the fact that just 446 V-12s left Detroit in 1939, Packard still referred to them as production units. In reality, all V-12s were built on a per-order basis with none leaving the factory unsold. The big 473-cubic inch V-12 produced a very healthy 175 horsepower. What it offered that perhaps, its competitors did not, was near silence and a silky smoothness of operation.

While the vehicle plate on this handsome coupe, number 1238-2007, is new, it notes that the car was delivered through Packard’s local Detroit distributor on March 11, 1939. The current owner has enjoyed it since the 1970s, recalling that he acquired it in San Francisco, through a classified advertisement in the Chronicle, and that it was a complete original, unrestored and solid automobile. He notes that it was the seller’s uncle’s car, and had remained in their family for many years.

The coupe was restored with Packard Maroon finish by the noted former Martinez, California, firm of AutoEuropa, and fitted with a high-speed rear axle. Its engine bears a correct 1939 serial number. It has since remained in the consignor’s collection, occasionally driven but seldom shown, and is proudly offered here for the first time in four decades.