To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION
Estimate:
$350,000 - $450,000
- Highly desirable and attractive Dietrich-designed
coachwork
- Recently freshened nut-and-bolt restoration
- A stunning twelve-cylinder Packard for touring or concours
events
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
- Please note this lot will need to be collected from St. Louis,
MO
For many Packard enthusiasts, the 11th series represents the
pinnacle of the marque, particularly those equipped with the superb
twelve-cylinder engine. Announced in August 1933, the 11th series
featured handsome new styling with deeply skirted front fenders, a
V-shaped radiator shell flanked by bullet headlamps with matching
V-shaped lenses, raked windscreen, and an overall lower, sleeker
appearance. It is often considered the ultimate expression of
classic era styling, offering the first hints of streamlining to
the design.
Packard's extensive catalog of standard and custom bodies included
some of the most spectacular designs of the era, courtesy of
LeBaron and Dietrich. Twelve-cylinder models were offered in three
wheelbases, with 24 body styles to choose from. Among those, the
Dietrich-designed convertible Victoria stands proudly as one of the
finest of the era. Offered on the 147-inch 1107 chassis, body style
747, otherwise known as the five-passenger convertible Victoria, is
sublimely proportioned, with its elegant lines unspoiled with the
roof up or down. It was a costly model when new, and today fewer
than ten examples are known to exist, all of which are prized by
collectors and coveted by enthusiasts.
The 1934 Twelve convertible Victoria offered here spent many years
quietly hidden away in a private collection in the Northeast, where
it was treated to a ground up, nut-and-bolt restoration. Shortly
after acquisition, the most recent owner freshened the restoration
with a complete repaint to concours standards, restored chrome, and
extensive mechanical servicing and detailing. The beautiful
metallic grey body is subtly accented by a maroon chassis, and
accessories include dual side-mount spares with painted covers, a
trunk rack, and a majestic crystal Tete D'Aigle radiator mascot.
The brightwork was meticulously restored by a respected specialist,
and it rides on sparkling chrome wire wheels with new
wide-whitewall tires to round out the dramatic presentation.
Burgundy leather provides a rich contrast to the paintwork, and it
displays an inviting character with excellent carpets, fine
woodwork and woodgrain-effect panels, and correct switches,
controls, and instrumentation. The dark grey salt-and-pepper canvas
top was fitted as part of the recent restoration and includes a
matching boot cover. Beneath the bonnet sits the 445.5 cubic-inch
L-head V-12, beautifully detailed in the correct shade of Packard
green with restored chrome hardware and fittings. Extensive
mechanical preparation has readied it for enjoyment on the
road.
Exquisitely finished from stem to stern, this highly desirable and
stunningly beautiful Packard is equally fit for the concours field
as well as enjoyment as a spectacular, head-turning tour car, and
it is certain to delight its next caretaker at any such endeavor
for years to come.To view this car and others currently consigned
to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0120.
