Vehicle Description
As the world emerged from the Great Depression, automakers were
cautiously optimistic about the recovering market. Luxury carmakers
suffered the most during the economic collapse, and several great
names, including Pierce-Arrow, Duesenberg, and Auburn had either
disappeared or were on the brink of closure. For the high-end car
companies that survived, the importance of a mid-price model was
more apparent than ever. Cadillac had LaSalle playing the
supporting role since 1927, while Packard toyed with a junior line
with the 1932 Model 900, then again in 1935 with the 120. Despite
their somewhat clumsy handling of the 900, the initial success of
the 120 showed management that the buying public was ready for a
cut-price Packard, despite earlier fears that it would cheapen the
brand. Despite the fanfare surrounding the new 120, the "senior"
Twelfth series line captured plenty of attention thanks to
beautiful new styling that predicted the streamline age to come.
The senior line consisted of the Eight, Super Eight, and the
flagship Twelve, all with numerous chassis and body options to
cater to the traditional, upscale Packard buyer. New-for-1935
styling featured fully skirted fenders, a more integrated,
body-color V-shape radiator shell, and painted bullet headlamp
housings. The overall styling was more integrated and smoother than
ever before, all while maintaining the presence, elegance, and
sophistication that Packard owners expected. The Twelve remained
the obvious choice for Packard's most exclusive clientele.
Engineers continued their quest to provide the smoothest, most
relaxed driving experience, devising several ingenious solutions to
dampen vibration and road shock. The trunnion blocks used
spring-dampening to reduce vibration through the steering, the V12
engine rubber-mounted, bumpers had weighted fluid dampers, and the
steering box featured roller bearings for smoothness. Everything
about the Packard Twelve was designed for silent operation,
exquisite ride quality, and performance. Packard rated the 473.3
cubic inch V12 conservatively at 175 horsepower, easily rivaling
the Cadillac V16. Each Twelve got a thorough, 250-mile shakedown
run at Packard's Utica, Michigan proving grounds before delivery;
although 1935 proved to be the final year of that practice. While
the Depression was nearing its end, buyers of high-end luxury cars
were still scarce, and even wealthy individuals were still hesitant
to flaunt their status with flamboyant automobiles. Production
records show Packard constructed just 445 12th Series Twelves
compared to nearly 25,000 mid-market 120s in the same model year.
This 1935 Packard 1207 Twelve is a rare and highly desirable
Dietrich-bodied Convertible Victoria. At $4,790, the 827 Dietrich
Convertible Victoria was the most expensive catalog body available
on the 1207 chassis, with only the Custom-line LeBaron All-Weather
Cabriolet coming in higher. Sold new by Zell Motor Company of
Baltimore, Maryland this car was the subject of a concours level
restoration some years ago and is a former CCCA National First
Prize winner. Finished in a handsome, period-appropriate shade of
dark brown with a complimenting beige roof and saddle-tan leather
interior, this gorgeous Packard has mellowed into a marvelous
tour-quality car. Factory equipment includes chrome wire wheels,
dual side-mount spare wheels with painted covers, trunk rack, and a
Cormorant mascot. This superb restoration took place while in the
care of the late Bill Hirsch, a well-known and highly respected
supplier of restoration parts and materials for Packard,
Rolls-Royce, and other classic automobiles. Following Hirsch's
ownership, it passed through the hands of several noted marque
experts who enjoyed the car on the road and maintained it in superb
order. Today, this Packard Twelve presents in excellent condition,
with a slight mellowing of the cosmetics from years of enjoyment by
its series of enthusiastic custodians. In the five-passenger cabin,
beautiful natural tan leather covers the seats, door cards, and
interior panels. It presents in fine order, displaying some light
creasing acquired through use and care on the seating surfaces as
well as minor wear on the carpets. Controls and switchgear are in
excellent order, and the wood-grained dash is beautiful, proudly
displaying the original instruments set into a chromed surround.
The fabric top shows in a similar condition to the rest of the
upholstery, with a snug fit and the lightest creasing from use. For
the 1935 model year, Packard bumped the displacement of the L-head
V12 to just over 473 cubic inches. The factory conservatively rated
output at 175 horsepower, although it was the seemingly bottomless
torque rating that made the Twelve such an outstanding performer.
Refinement was also improved, making the1935 Twelve one of the best
driving of all the twelve-cylinder Packard range. This car's engine
presents in good order, showing some patina on the painted and
enameled surfaces, yet appearing very clean and well-maintained
overall. As one of just 445 twelve-cylinder 12th series cars
produced, this superb Convertible Victoria is a supremely rare
sight indeed. Just a handful of these elegant open cars exist, and
this marvelous example has enjoyed a charmed life in the attentive
hands of notable marque experts, now beautifully mellowed and
inviting regular enjoyment. The powerful and refined nature of this
Packard Twelve makes it an excellent choice for CCCA CARavan tours,
or numerous other road events on the calendar. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6489-1935-packard-twelve-convertible-victoria/