Vehicle Description
Brunn & Co. of Buffalo, New York had a long tradition of fitting
fine quality bodies to Pierce-Arrow, Packard, Rolls-Royce and in
particular, Lincoln chassis. Hermann A. Brunn's German heritage
shone through in the high standard of workmanship he demanded as
well in his understated, Teutonic designs. In 1937, Packard had
taken a liking to one Brunn design in particular, the so-called
Clear Vision Touring Cabriolet, which was first shown atop a
Lincoln Model K chassis and used as the Brunn Family's personal
transport. This elegant, formal style featured an enclosed driver's
compartment, division window, and an opening Landaulet-style rear
treatment that was fully lined and weather tight in the closed
position. A most interesting detail was the inclusion of a pair of
green-tinted "Neutralite" glass panels above the windscreen, which
allow the driver easy sighting of traffic signals as well as giving
a more open feel to driver's compartment. 1939 marked the final
year for the legendary Packard Twelve, with end of the custom
bodied era soon to follow, as the Brunn Touring Cabriolet was one
of only seven selections offered in the 1939 Packard Custom Catalog
(5 styles by Rollston, 2 by Brunn). At $8,135, the Brunn Touring
Cabriolet atop the 1708 chassis was the most expensive Packard for
1939, and their own literature suggests it would suit as either
"limousine or owner-driven sedan". Chassis with soapbox driver's
seats were shipped from Detroit to Buffalo to be up-fitted by
Brunn's craftsmen. In an effort to save money, Packard required
Brunn to use existing door stampings, which in turn had to be
heavily reworked to achieve the level of fit dictated by Brunn's
own high standards. This level of perfection resulted in a net loss
for Brunn on virtually every unit produced. In the end, customer
demand was light and just 22 Packards would feature this stylish
and versatile body in the three years it was offered. This handsome
1939 Packard 1708 Twelve Brunn Touring Cabriolet is a fine example
of this exclusive model with known history from new. It was first
purchased by the Armour family of Chicago who were proprietors of
one of the largest, most successful, and sometimes notorious
meatpacking companies of the era. The family retained the Packard
in their fleet through 1950 when it was purchased by Hal Davock of
Fort, Lauderdale Florida. Mr. Davock was a pioneer in the collector
car world who valued these special-bodied early Packards at a time
when many of them were simply treated as "used cars". He cared for
the car for nine years before passing it to George Tilp of New
Jersey. Mr. Tilp was a fascinating character. He was a trained
engineer who had turned his father's metal stamping business, Adams
Industries, into a hugely successful operation. Tilp possessed a
great love for cars and racing, and he was one of the most
influential players in the early days of the SCCA. While not a
racer himself, he owned numerous race cars, including an Aston
DB2/4 powered by an Offenhauser four-cylinder that was raced by
Walt Hansgen, an Offy-powered Ferrari Mondial, and several
factory-backed Mercedes 300SL racers. Tilp also served as a primary
sponsor for a young Phil Hill as he was starting his career in
motorsports, and the two remained good friends until Tilp's death
in 1979. Aside from his racing exploits, Mr. Tilp had an affinity
for classic machinery, and this Packard Twelve was counted among
his proud fleet that also included a V16 Cadillac and even a
restored Pullman Coach. Whilst in his care, Tilp had the Packard
returned to its original shade of Brunn Ruby, and actively enjoyed
the car, winning numerous CCCA awards along the way. In 1981, the
Packard was purchased from George's son Peter Tilp by Dr. Armand
Crescenzi. From 1985 through 1998, the car was in the hands of Al
Dumrose of Corrales, New Mexico. All along, this wonderful Packard
was maintained in highly original condition thanks to its careful
owners. In 1998, the Brunn Packard joined the world famous Otis
Chandler collection where it remained until 2003, when it passed
into the hands of its most recent owner, a passionate
California-based collector of important Full Classic automobiles,
who continued to cherish and enjoy the car. Presented in its
original Brunn Ruby body with cream yellow accents, this fabulous
Packard remains in excellent condition. It is believed that the
indicated 38,500 miles is original, as close inspection reveals a
car that has been properly maintained through the years, with light
restoration work done as needed. Paint and body remain excellent,
with Brunn's renowned quality and detail showing through in the fit
of the doors and panels. The handsome body is fully accessorized
with dual Trippe Lights, Cormorant Mascot, bumper overriders, trunk
rack, and dual covered side-mounts with mirrors. The beautifully
appointed interior is trimmed in beige broadcloth with tan carpets
and door cards. The driver is treated to an array of stylish and
clear instruments - in original condition - and Packard's typically
sensible control layout. For 1939, the shift lever was moved to the
column to allow for more front seat leg room. The woodgrained metal
dash is beautifully presented, as is the wood on the door caps
which continue into the rear compartment. The passenger compartment
retains original 1939 upholstery on the seats, as well as beautiful
wood, an original Jaeger clock in the division panel, and the
original radio with controls in the rear seat arm rest.
Mechanically it is in fine order, performing with graceful ease,
and retaining the feel of a solid and highly original car. This
rare and truly extraordinary Packard is one of just 446 Twelves
sold in 1939, with single-digit survivors in this body style;
representing the end of the multi-cylinder, coachbuilt era in
America. Benefitting from many years of attentive ownership, this
fabulous Full Classic remains in fine order, ready for CCCA CARavan
tours and similar club events.
