Model 1608. 175 bhp, 473 cu. in. V-12, three-speed manual transmission, front coil, independent suspension and rear longitudinal leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 139"

- Rare and desirable sporting coachwork

- Highly optioned

It is incredible to consider the rapid development of the motor car in the United States from the one-cylinder buggies of the late-1800s to the multi-cylinder conveyances of the 1930s. The original Packard Twin Six was introduced for 1916 and became extremely popular with motorists of means. A decade after its discontinuation in 1922, the new Twin Six was introduced. Shortly after, the name was dropped in favor of the “Twelve” in order to signify the substantive styling and engineering refinements embodied in the new model. Although the Twelve displaced an additional 49 cubic inches or 12% more than the Twin Six, the horsepower output was almost doubled from 90 to 175! Offered here is one of the most desirable body and engine combinations available on a Packard: a 1938 Twelve Convertible Coupe.

Chassis 11392020 was delivered new by Thompson Motor Co., Ltd. in Beverly Hills, California in June of 1938. It has resided with its current owner since its acquisition from Seattle in 2002. At the time of the purchase, the Twelve was a solid, mostly original car with a new top. The owner commissioned a shop in Pennsylvania to perform a cosmetic restoration which included a full repaint and installation of fresh upholstery. The fenders and hood were removed and all pieces stripped to bare metal. Luckily the integrity of the venerable Packard had been preserved, and no body rot was found. Finished in Chinese Red, the exterior is complemented by the reupholstered Red leather interior and rumble seat and newer Tan cloth top. The dash and gauges have been very well looked after and are extremely presentable. In addition to the exterior work, the engine bay and underside were very respectfully detailed.

Aside from having the desirable convertible coupe body with rumble seat, this Packard Twelve is equipped with a trunk rack, radio, heater, turn signals, Trippe lights and dual enclosed side-mounts with metal covers and mirrors. The owner has participated in various concours events and now exclusively enjoys driving in classic car tours. Chassis 11392020 has completed a number of tours, most recently three in the summer of 2010 and the “Millennium Tour” after the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

In 1938, Packard offered the Twelve with 14 different body styles and constructed 566 in various configurations. Only a small fraction of those were convertible coupes, and they remain among the most sought-after of any twelve- or eight-cylinder Packards in existence. This example remains in excellent condition and can be shown with pride but, unlike many of its peers, has been proven on long-distance tours. It will be a welcome entrant on any of the most prestigious tours in the United States or Europe.

Please note, this car is titled by its engine number.