Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 6 -
7 April 2018.
Estimates:
$375,000 - $425,000
Very authentic, beautifully designed coachworkExhibited at the 1987
Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceNumerous awards at West Coast
concours
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.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/FL18.
