To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The Guyton
Collection event, 4 - 5 May 2019.
Estimate:
$40,000 - $60,000
- Packard's finest model from its most desirable model year
- The first season of hydraulic brakes and independent front
suspension
- Largely original, with only cosmetic restoration
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) CARavan
- An ideal tour and CARavan automobile
While the 1936 models had been virtually unchanged from previous
years, Packard's Fifteenth Series of 1937 brought a comprehensive
series of mechanical improvements, especially to the
top-of-the-line twelve-cylinder models. Most notable of these
improvements was the introduction of "Safe-T-Flex" independent
front suspension, which was based on the sound design of the junior
One-Twenty and debuted on the "senior" Packard models. Other
improvements included the adoption of hydraulic brakes and
disc-type steel wheels and the elimination of the Bijur
central-chassis lubrication system. This would be the final year
that the Twelve was offered on the massive 144-in. wheelbase
chassis, the 1508, which would become a thing of the past for 1938,
as all Twelves were "downsized."
The Guyton Collection's 1508 seven-passenger touring sedan was
originally sold by Mountain Motors of Denver, Colorado, on 10
October 1936, according to its data tag on the firewall, and is
believed to have been acquired by Mr. Guyton in Illinois in the
mid-2000s.
From inspection it appears to be a solid and largely original
automobile that has had only cosmetic restoration, namely new paint
decades ago in this rich metallic maroon hue, and new correct
broadcloth upholstery to the driver's compartment. While the paint
shows extensive areas of cracking and checking, the upholstery
remains in very good condition throughout, although the original
carpeting has deteriorated. The dashboard is original, with its
factory wood-grain still in place, and all the gauges are in good
condition. Additionally, much of the small interior hardware pieces
are still in place. Set up for touring at one point, the car's
engine compartment is clean and largely correct, but shows plenty
of use, while the tires are modern Michelin radials. Accompanying
the car are an original shop manual and dealer catalogues.
This would be an ideal twelve-cylinder Packard to sort and return
to the CARavan circuit, offering the best of its manufacturer's
silky-smooth engineering and modern driving qualities - with the
bonus of a vast seven-passenger interior. It is sure to be among
the most popular automobiles in its next owner's distinguished
collection.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/gc19.