Raymond Dietrich was an extremely talented designer who co-founded LeBaron with Thomas Hibbard. When Hibbard left for Paris, however, Dietrich established a new firm bearing his own name, Dietrich Inc. While well respected for his talents, Dietrich's greatest and most lasting legacy was the custom bodies he designed while at Packard. Quite simply, Dietrich designs were drop-dead gorgeous, and the 1932 models would be his last for Packard.

Ray Dietrich's sport phaeton design for the new-for-1932 Twin Six model was the inspiration for this glamorous dual-cowl sport phaeton, built in 1981 to beautiful standards and assembled by Dave Tobin in 1986. The sheet metal and aluminum body were crafted by the famous shop California Metal Shapers. Sitting atop Packard's longest chassis, it is fitted with dual side-mount spare tires, a rear-mounted trunk rack, a built-in rear trunk, and Pilot Ray driving lights. Of note are the top bows, rear window, and seats, all of which are original Dietrich Individual Custom pieces. The hand-crafted aluminum body over a wood frame was built to replicate the original design, including the dual cowls and windshields.

The car was reconditioned with new paint and pinstriping, as well as its wheels and mechanicals, after which it was exhibited at the 1987 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In 2006, it was freshened by Martin Hveem Automobile Restoration in Red Bluff, California. At this time, the top and seats were reupholstered by Dan Most, of Napa, California, and Collector Car, also of Napa, restored the wheels and fitted new tires. Following this, it was last shown at the 2006 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance where it was presented the Strother McMinn Design Award for its inspirational design elements. After remaining in a private Palm Springs collection since 2007, the sports phaeton returned to compete in the San Marino Motor Classic in 2015, earning 1st in Class.

Arguably among the most handsome of all Packard models, the Ninth Series cars of 1932 are quite desirable to today's collectors of Packards and cars of the Classic Era, and this car is certainly a beautiful example. It will no doubt delight its new owner, whether it is shown on the lawn or touring at speed.