Although any twelve-cylinder Packard is an automobile of distinction, this 1934 Twelve—wearing the 2/4 Passenger Coupe body (style number 738) and riding on the intermediate-length 142-inch wheelbase—does an exceptional job of melding the Twelve’s inherent formality with a dash of rakish athleticism.

It is a remarkably elegant design, especially considering that it was officially an in-house offering from Packard’s stylists…though to be sure, there is more than a hint of Dietrich about its lines. Two enclosed spares, each topped by a rearview mirror, sit behind full fenders; like the four whitewall-wrapped wheels at each corner, they sport gleaming chrome spokes. Packard’s signature “tombstone” grille, here featuring intricate thermostatically controlled chrome shutters, is flanked by twin horns and topped by the legendary “Goddess of Speed” mascot—also finished, naturally, in shining chrome.

While much of this chassis’ early history is unknown, its firewall tag indicates that it was delivered new—no doubt to a client of good taste and considerable means—via Packard Ontario Motor Co. Ltd. of Toronto, Canada. Packard Twelves were expensive and exclusive cars by design; in total, just 960 were produced for the 11th Series (roughly corresponding with the 1934 model year). With a list price of $3,820, few were built in this attractive 2/4-Passenger Coupe design, and a mere handful are known to have survived to the present day in unmodified condition—many having been later converted to open bodywork.

By the early 2000s, the Coupe had entered the collection of a Packard collector and marque expert, who enlisted Stone Barn Automobile Restoration of Vienna, New Jersey to totally refurbish the car to the highest standards in dark blue over a tobacco leather interior (complete, of course, with matching leather rumble seat).

The results of this comprehensive job, which left no nut or bolt untouched, speak for themselves; entered in the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the newly restored car achieved 2nd in Class, American Classic Closed Prewar. Under the care of a subsequent owner, it earned its Antique Automobile Club of America National First Prize award in 2016, and still proudly wears its AACA badge today. With its excellent fit and finish, rich paintwork, and excellent presentation and detail—even in the engine bay and on the undercarriage—it is fully worthy of these honors and more.

Breathtaking both inside and out, Packard Twelves of this era are also regarded as excellent automobiles for touring, owing to their ample reserve of 160 smoothly delivered horsepower (and even more importantly, plenty of torque) and well-engineered chassis. A Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic, this rare and distinguished 1934 Twelve 2/4-Passenger Coupe would be ideal for continued exhibition—where its scrupulously maintained restoration would certainly continue to garner appreciation—vintage touring in grand style, or perhaps a bit of both.