Chassis no. 973227

473.3-cid, 175-hp V-12 engine, Stromberg carburetor, three-speed manual synchromesh transmission, semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, live rear axle and four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 139.25-inches

Like other luxury manufacturers, Packard responded to Cadillac’s twelve- and sixteen-cylinder volleys with more cylinders of its own, in this case a 445.5 cubic inch, 160 horsepower V-12. Upon its introduction in 1932, it was called the Twin Six, but given the refinements and advancements, such as double the horsepower of the original Twin Six, it was renamed the Twelve from 1933 until its discontinuation in 1939.

Initially designed by C.W. van Ranst with Tommy Milton and refined by Charles Vincent, brother of engineering head Col. Jesse Vincent, the Twelve boasted 322 foot-pounds of torque, which could propel coachbuilt sedans and limousines to 60-mph in twenty seconds. The nearly horizontal valve stems operated by a camshaft deep in the engine’s heads through roller rockers on hydraulically adjusted eccentrics produced a nearly silent result. In 1935, aluminum heads and a longer stroke boosted the engine displacement to 473 cubic inches and the horsepower to 175, putting 100-mph in reach.

The Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan offered here has benefitted from an older restoration that now shows its age both inside and out. The interior condition is commensurate with the rest of the car and also shows signs of wear, as does the engine and bay and underbody. It is complete with a Motorola radio and antenna, wire wheels, whitewall tires, dual sidemount hard cover spares and side mirrors, trunk rack and trunk. This CCCA Full Classic would make for an outstanding restoration project that would undoubtedly result in a show worthy and award-winning example.