Vehicle Description
Few American cars capture the spirit of Classic Era elegance and
prestige quite like a Packard Twelve. The Twelve served as
Packard's flagship from 1932 (then known as theTwin-Six) through
1939, and the range highlighted the company's commitment to
engineering excellence and unrivaled quality. Coachbuilders
worldwide used the Packard Twelve chassis to show off their skills,
with Dietrich and LeBaron responsible for many of the most
memorable and elegant creations. Dietrich had a long-standing
relationship with Packard, and many of their designs were featured
as "custom catalog" options, produced by the factory body shop.
Among the most desirable of Dietrich styles is the Convertible
Victoria, a handsome two-door, five-passenger open car defined by
its broad blind quarters and low, sporting profile. It was offered
in various forms throughout the pre-war era and was typically one
of the most expensive and exclusive open designs. Packard
introduced the Sixteenth series midway through 1937 as a 1938
model. The Twelve returned, though slumping sales meant this was
its penultimate year as the company flagship. Several formal and
sporting bodies were offered, and the Dietrich-designed Convertible
Victoria returned as style number 1127 in the catalog. At $5,230,
it was the second-most costly body available on the 134-inch 1607
chassis, and it would prove to be one of the rarest. Packard
produced just 566 of the twelve-cylinder 1607/1608 series, and this
stunning 1607 Dietrich Convertible Victoria is one of only a
handful of its kind built. This superb example was treated to a
comprehensive body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration completed in 2002,
and has since earned numerous awards, including a CCCA National
First Place award, and earned an appearance alongside the best of
the best in the Packard Circle of Champions. Finished in an
appropriately sporting shade of crimson, it is a marvelous
automobile with enormous presence. Fittingly for a sporting open
Packard, it features a host of accessories including dual senior
Trippe lights, cormorant mascot, twin side-mount spares with
painted covers, Packard-script mirrors, an Appleton spotlight, and
a factory trunk rack. Paint quality is excellent all around, and
the body displays good fit, finish, and detailing. The brightwork
is similarly well presented and in fine order all around. The
luxurious cabin is trimmed in burgundy mottled leather with
matching carpets. Details include restored instruments, the correct
factory radio integrated into the gauge cluster, factory heater,
and a proper three-spoke banjo steering wheel. Controls, switches,
and interior brightwork are all in excellent condition. The soft
top is trimmed in beige Haartz canvas and includes a matching
canvas boot to keep the lines clean with the top folded. Signs of
use are notable in the upholstery, particularly in the light
creasing of the driver's seat and slight wear on the carpets.
However, it remains quite inviting, with an honest charm of a car
that has been enjoyed as originally intended. Power comes from
Packard's 473.3 cubic-inch L-head V12, rated for upwards of 180
horsepower. Beyond horsepower and torque figures, the Twelve was
all about refinement and silent operation. Paired with a
comparatively light body like this Convertible Victoria, the
Packard Twelve is a formidable performer with superlative road
manners and cruising ability, with powerful hydraulic brakes and
independent front suspension. This car's V12 is finished in the
proper shade of green and detailed with correct chrome hardware and
period-appropriate fasteners, wiring, and fittings. Since its
restoration, the owners have toured occasionally in the car, and
like other areas, the engine displays a subtle patina. This is a
rare opportunity to acquire one of a mere handful of Series 1607
Dietrich Convertible Victorias extant. With its high-quality,
well-maintained restoration, this example is the ideal companion
for touring and driving events, with a striking presence that
invites enthusiastic use. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6758-1938-packard-twelve-victoria/
