- Offered from the estate of noted collector Robert S. Dulin
- The most expensive Packard of its day
- One of just four such examples built for 1938
- Beautifully presented inside and out
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Once a mainstay of the marque, Packard resurrected the Twin Six
name for a new V-12 in 1932. A 67-degree V-block, the new
powerplant displaced 445 cu. in., just 20 more than its 1920s
namesake, but developed 75 percent more power. In 1933 the name was
changed to simply Packard Twelve, and two years later displacement
rose to 473.3 cu. in., making 175 bhp with an immense amount of
torque, enabling smooth acceleration for even the heaviest custom
bodywork. For 1937 the Twelve was given coil-spring independent
front suspension and hydraulic brakes. In addition to standard
bodies, Packard catalogued a number of styles from the major
coachbuilders, among them Dietrich, LeBaron, Rollston, and
Brunn.
In 1935, Buffalo, New York, coachbuilder Hermann Brunn designed for
himself a handsome long-wheelbase landaulet-type body with an open
chauffeur compartment, which he called a cabriolet. Added to the
Lincoln catalogue custom line for 1937, it was extended to Packard
in 1938. It was offered both as the all-weather cabriolet, with
removable leather roof for the chauffeur, or touring cabriolet with
a fixed forward roof, accented with small smoked-glass clerestory
windows over the windshield. Both styles were available in
collapsible form, with a folding rear top and functional landau
irons, and non-collapsible with a fixed rear roof and faux landau
irons.
Brunn touring cabriolets were built in minuscule numbers in 1938
and 1939, no more than 10 each per year on Lincoln and Packard
chassis. It is believed that there were only nine Brunn-bodied
examples built between 1938 and 1939, of which this car is one of
four built in the former year. The most expensive Packard in 1938,
it was some $1,500 more than the equivalent body on a Lincoln
chassis or the most expensive V-16 Cadillac.
The car offered here is a truly fine example of a
limited-production Packard. It presents in excellent condition with
a charming light patina. It is equipped with the Packard Deluxe
heater, Packard Deluxe radio, heater with accessory rear speaker,
trunk rack, Trippe driving lights, and dual side mounts with metal
covers. It was recently given a recommissioning, with new tires,
hoses, fuel tank, rebuilt carburetor, new water pump, and fresh
brakes. A CCCA Full Classic, it is ideal for club events and
CARavan tours and represents a rare chance to acquire an excellent
example.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
