To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $200,000
- The first American production twelve-cylinder car
- Largely original and unrestored; in remarkable, authentic
condition
- Formerly of the Walter Cunny Collection
- A potential Preservation Class entrant of exceptional
quality
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
One of the most groundbreaking American automobiles of the Nickel
Era, the Twin Six made its debut in May 1915. The first
U.S.-production twelve-cylinder automobile engine, it was a
60-degree V-12 with two blocks of six cylinders, set on an aluminum
crankcase, displacing 424 cu. in., and developing 88 hp.
Masterfully engineered by Packard's Colonel Jesse Vincent, it
formed the basis of Packard's offerings through 1920, and would
continue to power the company's prestige models through 1922. To
call it a sales success would be a major understatement. In its
first season of production, Packard outsold Pierce-Arrow by
four-to-one, and by eight-to-one the following year.
The 1916 Twin Six offered here was built on the longer 1-35 Six
chassis, with a 135-in. wheelbase; its crankcase was cast on 28
March 1916. While its original owner is not known, its earliest
known collector owner was Roger Ritterbeck of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio,
in 1968. From Mr. Ritterbeck it passed to Walter Cunny of Genoa,
Illinois, who was one of the foremost American collectors of Brass
and Classic Era automobiles during the 1980s.
Mr. Cunny sold the Packard in 1989 to Albert Guibara of Burlingame,
California, who would faithfully maintain it for nearly two
decades. It was then sold in 2008 to Fred F. Guyton, who had long
coveted an early Twin Six, and has now spent over a decade in his
noted Mason's Garage museum.
To examine this car shows just why it was such a success, and
Packard such a legend of fine automaking. It is overbuilt to a
remarkable extent, with headlight lock rims of solid cast aluminum
and body panels that still fit snugly and solidly after over a
century of good care. The engine compartment is remarkable, with
not only all of the correct Packard ancillary components, but all
of them likely the well-preserved originals to this very car.
The green and black body may have been repainted, likely in the
1940s; in places it has been charmingly worn down to primer by
years of detailing, and it is slightly dull but far too evocative
to replace. At the same time the top was likely replaced, including
the headliner, to the correct "two man" design. The black
button-tufted leather interior is fully original, except for the
lower front seat cushion. Especially noteworthy are the unusually
solid and well-engineered jump seats in the rear compartment.
Accompanied by an original owner's manual and promotional brochures
for the model, as well as a correct Packard jack, this is an
unusually original, well-preserved, and deeply honest Twin Six. All
who view it fall in love with its superb engineering, quality, and
myriad charms.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.