Vehicle Description
Gorgeous Packard Twelve 1607 Convertible Coupe beginning life in
Beverly Hills, California when new, and staying out West through
2002! Beautifully restored with show level results, and used as a
proven touring car through 2011. Still in excellent shape today
with a host of features! It is a rare example to find on the market
representing one of only 566 Twelves built for the 1938 model year!
After the Great Depression of 1929 had crippled American lifestyle,
Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, MI felt buyers of their
exclusive product line would require more value for their money
once on showrooms. It was decided that Senior Packards would become
even more opulent and expensive! Style lines improved dramatically,
and the numbered Series models continued as they begun in 1923. By
1931, adjustable shocks allowed for a new, driver-operated Ride
Control system. The Twin Six twelve cylinder-equipped vehicles were
simply renamed Twelves in 1933 and stayed this way through their
final year of 1939. With the introduction of a new medium-priced
model, which came to production in 1935, named the 120 Model, it
undeniably saved Packard from a similar demise as luxury brands as
Stutz, Marmon, Franklin, Pierce-Arrow, and Duesenberg. This
inexpensive Junior option was built by more modern mass-production
standards, while the Senior cars continued to require slower,
handmade traditional craftsmanship. Nearly 10 times as many Junior
cars would be produced. Packard continued to be recognized as
Americas strongest luxury brand the world over. From 1937 and
after, all large Packards would convert to hydraulic brakes along
with Safe-T-Flex independent front suspension for added safety and
ride quality. As with any luxury item, prices for the upscale
Twelves came at a steep premium over their 8 cylinder variants. For
comparison from 1938, the Super 8 Convertible Coupe cost $3,210,
while the larger Twelve Convertible Coupe escalated the price to
$4,370! Only 566 Packard Twelves would be ordered in 1938 for this
reason, and today represent some of the rarest to find today!
Offered here is a superb 1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Convertible Coupe
finished in period correct Chinese Red over beautiful Red Leather
upholstery and Beige soft top. Bearing chassis #11392020, this
lengthy and sporty 134 wheelbase offers excellent road feel and
easy maneuverability! Power comes from the always dependable 473ci
V12 engine providing a powerful 175 horsepower through a 3-speed
floor-shifted transmission. Options and standard features are
plentiful to include dual side-mounted spares with hard covers &
Packard See-Rite mirrors, Trippe Safety Lights, Cormorant hood
ornament, soft top sun visors, dual golf bag side doors, running
board courtesy lamps, rear rumble seat, luggage rack with rare
chrome bumper guard, Deluxe heater, rear reverse light, Packard AM
radio with running board antenna, and BF Goodrich Silvertown wide
whitewall tires. This example sold new and remained serviced early
on at Thompson Packard Motor Car Company LTD in Beverly Hills, CA
located on Wilshire at Oakhurst Dr. It later made its way up the
coast to Seattle, WA through 2002, before a savvy collector from
Florida purchased it and sent it to Pennsylvania for a
comprehensive cosmetic restoration. It would be noted at that time
to be completely rust free and possessed no rot whatsoever, before
receiving proper bare metal preparation for a repaint in Packard
Chinese Red. An all new interior and leather upholstery would find
its way on all seating surfaces including the rumble seat, and a
new convertible top, boot cover, and vinyl dust cover for
shows/storage fitted professionally. The car shows only 62,407
miles on the odometer, and although we have no supporting evidence
of an actual mileage claim, the overall running capacity of the car
is remarkable. The engine was tuned so well, even in our indoor
showroom environment, it is near whisper quiet when motivated into
display position! I was last sold in July 2011 when it entered the
Evergreen Historic Automobiles collection where it remained largely
untouched while on presentation. For this reason, the St. Louis Car
Museum had the gas tank removed, flushed, cleaned, and sealed
before introducing fresh fuel. The engine oil was changed and new
battery installed. We cannot stress enough the brilliance of how
nicely this example starts, run and drives! Past owners
participated in many classic car tours in 2010, along with the 2011
Millennium Tour at the Amelia Island Concours d Elegance. Driver
features added included turn signals and a backup electric fuel
pump. A proven tour car with a high level of detail and superb
presentation throughout! A great opportunity for any Packard
enthusiast or collector!
