Vehicle Description
Introduced in September 1937, Packard's sixteenth series marked the
penultimate year for the legendary flagship Twelve. Since its
revival in 1932 as the Twin Six, buyers instantly recognized
Packard's twelve-cylinder model range as one of the finest luxury
motorcars in America. Through numerous design improvements, the
mighty L-head V-12 developed an impressive 175 horsepower by the
late '30s and sat in a precisely engineered chassis with
exceptionally refined handling and ride characteristics. The
Sixteenth series saw the marriage of the V-12 engine with Packard's
new independent front suspension, which further improved the
already excellent road manners. As usual, many bodies were
available, including standard offerings and "custom catalog" styles
from Brunn and Rollston. All shared the same handsome, streamlined
front-end styling, with bulled headlamps flanking the proud Packard
grille, which was steeply raked with a pronounced V-shape.
Unfortunately, the lingering effects of the Great Depression
dampened sales of custom-built luxury cars, and sales lagged
dramatically. Packard produced only 566 Twelves for the 16th
series, and with fears of war brewing, the pride of Packard would
not survive past 1939. This splendid 1938 Packard Twelve features
the stylish and sporting factory-built Convertible Coupe body,
style number 1139 in the catalog. This Model 1607 rides on the 134
3/8-inch wheelbase chassis with independent, coil-sprung front
suspension. It is handsomely presented in black over dark red
upholstery and benefits from a well-maintained older restoration.
It is understood that Dick Nary of Detroit, Michigan had the car
restored in the 1990s while it was part of his collection, and the
Classic Car Club of America National First Prize award on the cowl
attests to the quality of the work. After the most recent owner
acquired this car in 2008, he ensured it was consistently and
expertly maintained to a high level by a well-known Classic Era
specialist. It presents today in excellent condition, with the
gently mellowed restoration encouraging regular driving enjoyment.
The coachwork is in fine order, with consistent panel alignment and
glossy, attractive paintwork. A few minor imperfections are noted
on close inspection, such as a spot or two of thin paint, yet none
of these detract from the car's appealing character. Brightwork is
similarly excellent, and period-correct accessories include dual
side mount spare wheels with body-color metal covers, dual Senior
Trippe Lights, a factory trunk rack, and a Cormorant mascot. The
cabin is trimmed in beautiful burgundy-red leather and is
faithfully detailed in the factory-correct patterns and oval
buttons on the driver's seat and matching rumble seat. The leather
upholstery is excellent, displaying a particularly appealing,
lightly broken-in character. Equipment includes a factory radio,
ivory-colored banjo steering wheel, and a factory heater. Roll-up
glass side windows and a snug-fitting tan canvas top ensure
excellent weather protection on less-than-ideal days. Packard's
sublime twelve-cylinder L-head engine is one of the all-time greats
in American motoring. Powerful yet turbine-smooth, it is a
benchmark of 30s-era quality and prestige. Beneath the hood of this
car, the 'twelve is well-detailed in the correct shade of Packard
green and dressed with excellent chrome hardware and gloss-black
ancillaries. Some of the enamel has baked off the exhaust manifolds
- a common occurrence on cars that see regular road use. Recent
test drives have proven this to be a superb driver's car, with
excellent road manners and predictable handling thanks to the
independent front end. The engine is smooth and quiet, sending 175
horsepower through a 3-speed manual gearbox that operates with
clean, positive shifts. The restorers added an overdrive unit
in-line with the gearbox for more efficient high-speed cruising,
ensuring the big twelve is unstressed on long trips. Of the 566
Sixteenth Series Twelves produced, only a tiny fraction of those
were convertible coupes, and the handful of survivors rank among
the most sought-after of all eight- and twelve-cylinder Packards of
the period. Thanks to years of attentive care and enthusiastic use,
this lovely example is prime for driving pleasure in a wide range
of rallies and tours and will undoubtedly be a cherished part of
its next caretaker's collection for years to come. Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7092-1938-packard-twelve-coupe-roadster/