Vehicle Description
Scrolling back through Packard's illustrious history reveals many
examples of why the marque consistently stood head and shoulders
above its rivals. From the company's inception in 1899, Packard
stood for quality and uncompromising excellence above all else. In
1913, their recently-hired chief engineer, Jesse Vincent, began
work on a sophisticated new V-12 engine that firmly established the
marque as the undisputed king of American luxury. The typically
conservative board gave Vincent the green light to develop the
engine for aircraft use, which progressed into approval for
motorcar production. Ahead of its launch in 1916, Packard's
President drove a newTwin Sixhalfway across the country in grueling
conditions and declared it "the greatest piece of machinery that
ever went upon the highways." Following a hiatus, Packard
reintroduced the twelve-cylinder engine in 1932 as an all-new clean
sheet L-head design. The Twin Six name also returned briefly, but
the marketing department changed it to the more
upscale-soundingTwelvefrom 1933-onward. As it had with the original
Twin Six, Packard produced a superb engine, delivering seamless
power with unparalleled refinement. It stood proudly at the
pinnacle of Packard's catalogue from 1932 through 1939, spawning
some of the most achingly beautiful and eminently desirable
automobiles of the Classic Era. Packard's Twelfth Series of 1935
introduced new styling across the range. The Streamline Moderne era
had landed, and Packard embraced the trend with new fully skirted
fenders, bullet headlamps, and integrated, V-shaped radiator
shells. Buyer of the Twelve had the option of standard or
long-wheelbase chassis and various body choices from LeBaron,
Dietrich, and the firm's in-house body shop. Five styles were
available on the flagship 1208, with all but one carrying the
prestigious Dietrich nameplate. At $4,950, the Convertible Sedan
was one of the most expensive bodies offered, and with just 788
Twelves produced in 1935, exclusivity was undoubtedly assured. This
Series 1208 Convertible Sedan was delivered new to Boulogne,
France, via the Parisian importer Barbezat in November of 1935. One
can only imagine the impact such a grand and elegant motorcar would
have made on French roads in 1935! While little is known of its
early history, it has enjoyed attentive ownership in the USA since
the early 2000s. In 2005, it was shown in the Circle of Champions
at the Packard Club's Southern California Regional meet. In 2008,
it changed hands and was freshened for further concours use, and
again qualified for the Circle of Champions on two occasions. After
another change of ownership, the new owner prepared it for touring
and detailed it further, earning 99 points at a CCCA Grand Classic
in 2013. In 2016, the respected experts at Classic & Exotic Service
performed a complete engine overhaul, totaling over $40,000. The
big Packard has a magnificent presence, strikingly presented in
claret red with a burgundy belt line over a beige interior and top.
Features include chrome wire wheels, twin side-mount spares with
metal covers, dual Trippe Safety Lights, a Cormorant mascot, and a
trunk rack. Notably, this car wears "Dietrich Inc., Detroit"
coachbuilder tags, indicating it was designed by Ray Dietrich and
built under his supervision in the Dietrich shop, distinguishing
this as a genuine coachbuilt Packard. Other models that carry a
"Dietrich" nameplate are designed by Ray Dietrich but are
constructed by Packard's in-house body shop. The quality of the
restoration is first-rate, and it remains in superb condition
throughout, with a pleasing character earned through occasional
enjoyment on the open road. Beautiful beige leather upholstery
shows exceptionally well, with slight creasing noted on the
driver's seat. The dash features correct original instrumentation,
switchgear, and controls for the factory-fitted radio. Detailing is
superb, including a woodgrain finish dash and horn button,
beautifully finished wood trim with gold-inlay banding on the door
caps. The tan canvas folding top is in excellent order and is
accompanied by a matching boot. Rear passengers enjoy spacious
seating on the plush rear bench and ample legroom to relax and
enjoy the quiet, refined ride. This car also features a wind-up
glass partition for added privacy. This lovely Packard remains in
superb mechanical condition and is ready to enjoy on driving events
such as CCCA CARavan� tours, yet is simultaneously more than
capable of impressing concours judges. It is a gorgeous example of
a powerful and prestigious Dietrich-bodied Packard Twelve, ready to
take center stage in its next caretaker's collection. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7294-1935-packard-twelve-convertible-sedan/
