Frame Off Restored CCCA Senior 1 of 69 Packard Twelve 473 V12 3 Speed Manual

1937 Packard Twelve Description

SUMMARY

1 of 1,300 1937 Packard Twelves producedBelieved to be 1 of 69 1937 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadsters produced473 cubic inch L-head V123-speed synchromesh manual transmissionAwarded CCCA Senior Premier statusAwarded AACA National First PrizeCompleted a 900-mile CCCA CARavanSale includes restoration receipts16-inch steel wheelsHydraulic drum brakes

For almost 60 years Packard was the standard by which many Americans defined the very best. And in the 1930s, hen the marque was tops in the luxury car market, legant offerings like this magnificent Twelve rightfully earned the tagline 'Boss of the Road'. As smooth now as it was over seven decades ago, his defiantly massive convertible is the absolute pinnacle of pre-war automotive luxury. Enjoyed by only three owners, he car is a known, uthentic example of one of the most desirable Classic Era Packards on the planet. As one of only 1,300 1937 Twelves produced, t has been awarded a National First Prize from the AACA and First Senior honors from the CCCA. And presently, t sits as a well-documented, rofessionally restored cruiser that's an elegant representation of some of America's best history!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The 15th Series was a conservatively elegant automobile that gave credibility to Packard marketeers' claims of products "as modem as an architectural design by Frank Lloyd Wright". Despite the same finely tailored lines and top-notch appointments, he brand's transition to more streamlined styling would be increasingly evident throughout the decade. But, t its core, he Twelve remained a Classic Era Packard, eaturing a towering radiator shell, ullet-shaped headlights, trademark chrome grille, lowing, kirted fenders, nd a familiar 'Cormorant' hood ornament.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN

In the age of 16-cylinder luxury, he Twelve was one of the fastest cars you could buy for anything less than Duesenberg money. That said; the higher-powered offerings from Cadillac, armon and Pierce-Arrow could probably nip a Packard Twelve in a close race. But a modified mill like this roadster's 473 cubic inch L-head V12 certainly wasn't something to readily bet against.

For 1937, he Twelve's running gear underwent the most radical redesign in its history. The car's traditional 3-speed synchromesh transmission was augmented with an independent front suspension, arketed as "Safe-T-Flex", proven hydraulic brake system and steel disk wheels. This resulted in 15th Series Packards, ost prominently the top-of-the-line 12-cylinder models, eing widely regarded as some of the most driver-friendly cars of the Classic Era; with the smooth, ffortless engineering of vacuum-boosted brakes and a vacuum-boosted clutch being particularly well-suited to modern roads. As such, he most desirable open body styles are only rarely offered for sale.

HISTORY

The Coupe Roadster pictured here is a known, uthentic and exclusive classic that's believed to be 1 of only 69 builds. The car still has its original firewall tag. Its history is known all the way back to the 1950s. And, or over half a century, his drop-top was the prized possession of well-known Southern California enthusiast Bob Hance, ho regularly displayed it at CCCA activities and Golden State Concours d'Elegance.

In 2001, hen Mr. Hance decided to sell his 2-owner gem, ground-up, rofessional restoration was well documented via photographs and receipts. Naturally, hat restoration involved impeccable attention to detail, eaturing items such as correct pinstripe patterning, correct leather interior, orrect wool carpet and a correctly detailed engine bay. And the car wears many factory accessories including: a heater, trunk rack, correct 30-gallon fuel gauge indicator, factory-installed AM radio that's wired to an under-car antenna and chrome wheel covers that are complete with Packard cloisonne emblems.

Since that restoration the car has seen quite a few significant milestones, chieving CCCA Senior Premier status, eing recorded as a 2009 AACA National First Prize winner and completing a 900-mile CCCA CARavan.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

An original dealer brochureCopies of vintage marketing photosA breakdown of 1937 Packard color combinations1937 Packard color chipsA Data BookA Service Parts ListAn Accessory Merchandising ManualAn Owner's ManualA copy of the car's 1959 registrationA book of restoration photosStacks of restoration receiptsA handwritten list of the 69 Twelve Coupe Roadsters believed to exist.A short article documenting the car's appearance at the 2007 Forest Grove Concours

Exotic and stately, his Twelve is an ultimate Packard from the greatest era. From its excellent restoration to its stellar history, he car is equally at home both in the museum and on the road. And, ust as it was 78 years ago, he car is an ideal automobile for showing and happily driving.