This 1939 Packard Twelve Touring Cabriolet by Brunn was the most
expensive and exclusive Twelve ever authorized by Packard. This is
one of two made in 1939 and was hand built in the Brunn coachworks
in Buffalo, NY. Being sold new by the Earl C Anthony "Dealers to
the Stars" franchise in Los Angeles, it was bought new by music and
film legend Ray Noble on April 21, 1939. Since then, it has been
beautifully preserved as a gorgeous original car with minimal
restoration work performed over the years. It is now ready to be
shown at any major concours event or added to a collection. Brunn &
Co. was a premier coachbuilder that earned Packard's respect to
build a small number of Cabriolets in 1938 and 1939. These featured
Brunn's innovative "Neutralite" tinted skylights to allow the
chauffer to see the streetlights. These Cabriolets were designed to
be the ultimate big city limousine allowing the rear seat passenger
to be seen by the public at a moment's notice by folding down the
rear top. These were the most expensive Packard Twelves ever built
with Packard's authorization. While these were "Catalog Customs",
these were in fact complete coach-built masterpieces. Packard
shipped two Model 1708 chassis to the Brunn facility in Buffalo, NY
in 1939 to build the Touring Cabriolets (Style 4086). Brunn's
coachwork is all hand formed aluminum and is in spectacular
condition today. The build quality is absolutely breathtaking. This
Cabriolet sold new for $8,355, a massive sum in 1939. This Twelve
was shipped from Brunn to Earl C. Anthony in Los Angeles. The fist
owner was Ray Noble, who gain fame first in his homeland of England
but by 1934 had moved to New York to play at the prestigious
Rainbow Room. Shortly thereafter, Ray moved to Los Angeles and was
a highly respected bandleader and score writer for Hollywood
movies. He also gained acclaim as the "Silly Englishman" in a
variety of comedies. This Brunn has been part of the collection of
several noted collectors over the decades. She was more recently
owned for many years by the late enthusiast Sam DelRusso Sr., of
Connecticut, and was acquired from his estate by Robert
Castignetti, of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Kughn acquired the car
sometime later. In 2014 it joined a prominent collection in
Louisiana. The livery is in its original Black lacquer that is
absolutely stunning. All of our research and representations by
former owners suggested that the black paint was original. Not
trusting this, we had a paint expert analyze it while touching up
two areas and he confirmed that it is original. It has incredible
depth and luster and truly looks like a more recent repaint. The
upper tan paint has been redone and is in excellent condition. The
tan canvas has been replaced and is in very good to excellent
condition. The chrome and stainless steel are all very good to
excellent. All of the Brunn coachwork is hand formed from aluminum
with only the front clip being Packard steel. The doors and
convertible top close like bank vaults, as though Brunn somehow was
able to amplify its impact. The twin Trippe Safety Lights complete
the front end with its grill painted in the only-in-1939 manner.
The dual side mounts have the Packard See-Rite mirrors and the rear
has a proper Packard trunk rack. The two tinted "Neutralite"
skylights are still in very nice condition and we love the deep
veed windshield that has a wonderful sleek rake to it. The more
time we spend with this Packard, the more we love it. The interior
is just incredible. The interior is largely original. We believe
that the carpets have been replaced. We know of nothing else that
has been replaced. It is believed that the upholstery, headliner,
trim and wood are all original, save for maintenance to the wood.
As one would expect, this Brunn is replete with options, including
the AM radio, dual heater controls, a Jaeger 8-Day clock set into
the division window and beautiful bookended walnut trim in every
direction. The interior is simply gorgeous. The deluxe steering
wheel has a couple of cracks from age and has never been restored
or painted. The Packard comes complete with a significant number of
keys (original and copies), shop and owner's manual and other
materials. The engine compartment houses the venerable Packard 473
cid V12 with 175 hp. The engine compartment is well detailed and
looks very appropriate for most concours events. The v12 has
upgraded replacement heads and the engine runs and drive
beautifully with excellent power. The three-speed column shift
combined with the smooth torque of the V12 really move the shorter
139-inch wheelbase Cabriolet. With its power assisted clutch and
brakes, this Packard is a pleasure to drive. The engine is silent
and drives without smoke or any issues. This is an opportunity to
acquire one of the most prized senior Packard's. For more
information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or
[email protected]. The Brunn is proudly
displayed in our showroom in Phoenix.