Vehicle Description
1934 Packard Twelve Coupe
Founded by James Ward Packard with two partners in 1899, Packard
was an American luxury automobile marque built by the Packard Motor
Car Company. Packard automobiles were produced from 1899 until
1958. In 1916, Packard sold 10,645 vehicles. By the 1920's, Packard
was exporting more cars than any other in its price class. When the
ticker tape rained down on Charles A. Lindbergh during the New York
City parade celebrating his historic flight, he was riding in an
open Packard. In 1927, Packard sold over 36,000 cars; the following
year, over 50,000 were sold. By the end of the 1920's, Packard was
outselling every other car in the world.
A beautifully preserved example with possible provenance. In his
tome, the Magnificent Packard Twelve of 1934, Edward Blend talks
about a model as such, and he makes an inference that the car was
originally owned by wealthy Kansas City political boss Tom
Pendergrass. This car was shipped from the plant to Kansas City and
the Reid Ward Motor Company so it may stand to make sense.
Exterior
Beautifully bathed in Packard Blue, this former Classic Car Club of
America first prize winner is equipped with metal artillery wheels,
dual side mounted spares with metal coverings, dual driving lights,
dual horns and the Packard's goddess of speed hood ornament. All
straight steel panels with good gaps, and that deep blue is simply
mesmerizing. All chrome trim and bumpers are very nice, and a
plethora of surfaces are covered with it. Attention to design
detail was paramount in this era, and the headlight and turn signal
bezels reflect that. Bringing up the rear is a trunk rack fully
working and also beautifully chromed.
Interior
With a charming and extremely comfortable blue wool broadcloth with
buttons on the door panels and seats, passengers could be whisked
down the road in ultra-comfort. Like 2 overstuffed couches this
material also covers the B and C pillars and the headliner of the
interior. Areas of lacquered and polished burl are on the doors at
the upper rails, as well as the dash. Speaking of the dash, it is
nearly showroom with its chromed central instrument panel and
gorgeous original gauges. The Packard badge shows up here in the
dash, and the original bakelite pinstriped steering wheel center.
This car is equipped with a heater, and below which is a sea of
navy blue carpet which is pristine.
Drivetrain
Engineering of the era has taken dual inline 6-cylinder engines and
produced this fully restored 445.5 ci V12 which has original and
matching stampings to certify it is indeed the original engine. A
single 2-barrel carburetor feeds the V12, and a 3-speed synchromesh
transmission is on the back. A close look at the photos of this
engine bay, and it is bespoken of a fine and meticulous
restoration.
Undercarriage
I cannot say there are any other cars within the confines of
Classic Auto Mall that have a finer undercarriage than this car. It
literally looks showroom, with shiny black painted surfaces and
strong structural steel abounding. Suspension looks literally like
it was polished and presents in the form of semi elliptic springs
on all 4 wheels. Also, mechanical drum brakes with power assist are
noted in their shiny black finery. All this has seldom seen any
inclement weather, let alone was driven in it.
Drive-Ability
Sitting in this car has one harkening back to the days when money
grew on trees, and there was little to no income taxes. This
created great wealth, and along with it great luxury and pampering
for this who could have it within their means to experience such.
This car is the embodiment of that luxury in that it runs like a
dream, idles so smoothly, and has nice acceleration, and thanks to
the synchromesh transmission, can be shifted through the gears
simply. It can stop start and run down the road with the best of
them, even by today's standards.
The magnificent Twelve, with prices starting at $3,820 and soaring
beyond $7,700, found only 960 well-heeled buyers willing to indulge
themselves in those tough economic times. And right here at Classic
Auto Mall we have certainly one of the finest examples of this car
available today.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
