Vehicle Description
Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular Packards of the Classic
Era, LeBaron's Individual Custom Sport Phaeton is a stunning
automobile that epitomizes the glitz and glamour of the period.
Offered solely on the Eleventh Series Twelve chassis to a select
handful of discerning clients, these magnificent cars featured
striking streamlined styling with fully skirted front fenders,
fully enclosed rear fenders, streamlined running boards, and an
elaborate folding top that disappeared into the body. It was part
of a series of distinctly sporting designs by Packard styling
director Edward Macauley, which included an aerodynamic fastback
coupe and a boattail speedster. Along with the others, the
construction of the Sport Phaeton was carried out by LeBaron's
custom shop in Detroit. It is believed that LeBaron built only five
original examples of the 1108 Twelve Individual Custom Sport
Phaeton. One was shipped to Europe, where it was destroyed during
World War II, and the remaining four survivors are part of
long-term private or museum collections from which they are
unlikely to emerge soon, with values likely firmly in the seven
figures. Renowned restorer Fran Roxas, famous for producing
numerous Pebble Beach and CCCA award-winners, was a long-time
admirer of the LeBaron Sport Phaeton. In the 1980s, he took it upon
himself to build a limited run of Sport Phaeton recreations using
existing period Packard Twelve chassis and running gear. With
Roxas's typical attention to detail, these cars were painstakingly
fabricated and exquisitely finished to the same standards of
craftsmanship as in 1934. They provide a delightful and affordable
alternative to the "real thing," with the same driving quality and
spectacular styling. The car shown here is believed to be the
fourth Sport Phaeton built by Mr. Roxas and uses a 1933 1006 Twelve
chassis and engine as its basis. This drivetrain is virtually
identical to that of the 1934 1108, and Mr. Roxas used correct 1108
styling cues to accurately reproduce the original Sport Phaeton's
design. The hand-fabricated body is built using the same
coachbuilding techniques as LeBaron would have used in the 30s,
utilizing a wooden frame skinned with steel. Custom fittings and
hardware needed to be made to suit the unique features, including
the folding rear windscreen, rear cowl, and complex disappearing
roof. Roxas selected a lovely deep mink silver color for this car,
with a perfectly complementing dark green-gray leather interior and
charcoal canvas top. Conical wheel covers and wide whitewall tires
complete the svelte, streamlined package. Mr. Roxas maintained this
Packard as his personal car until selling it in late 2000 to a
noted collector of Classic Era automobiles. It was exceptionally
well-maintained in their stable for approximately fifteen years,
during which time it made occasional concours appearances. Most
notable among those was in 2002, when it even appeared in the
European and American New Coachwork class at the Pebble Beach
Concours d'Elegance, performing beautifully on the Tour d'Elegance
and achieving a coveted Best in Class Award. In 2015, it was
acquired by another noted collector, and it remained in his care
until recently. Having changed hands once more, it continues to
show exceptionally well today, with outstanding fit, finish quality
and detail. It is also in superb mechanical condition, with the
finely detailed V12 engine delivering seamless power with
turbine-like refinement. The LeBaron-bodied Individual Custom
Packard Twelves are oft considered the pinnacle of the marque and
are highly coveted by the lucky few with the means to own one. For
those who desire the same experience at a very attractive price
point, this car, virtually identical to an original in its every
detail, is a most splendid alternative. Offers welcome, and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7446-1933-packard-twelve-le-baron-sport-phaeton/
