Vehicle Description
This 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan is an
impeccably restored, well documented, custom bodied Packard and is
perhaps the nicest example we've ever seen. In the years leading up
to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, there were numerous luxury
automakers prior to the Great Depression including names such as
Cadillac, Marmon, Stutz, and Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, along with the
"Three P's" comprised of Peerless, Pierce-Arrow, and Packard.
However, when the Stock Market crashed in 1929, billions of dollars
of wealth was completely wiped out and demand for high-end luxury
automobiles cratered. In the tough years that followed, companies
such as Peerless and Marmon went bankrupt, and the remaining luxury
builders were either running on fumes or on their last legs. By
1933, the United States and the rest of the world was beginning to
emerge from the economic devastation of the Great Depression and
Packard, who struggled to survive, had shown its first profitable
year since the Depression began. Going into 1934, Packard
management was hopeful that they were through the worst of it and
seemed to pull out all of the stops for its 11th Series. Despite 55
different body styles to choose from, Packard's production and
sales numbers were disappointing in 1934 with the company's
production numbers dropping to level not seen since the early 20s.
Of the three Series offered by Packard in 1934, the top-of-the-line
model was the Packard Twelve complete with a long wheelbase and
Packard's famous V-12 engine that debuted as the "Twin Six" back in
1932. Interestingly, all of Packard Twelves' and their V-12 engines
underwent vigorous testing, breaking in, and tuning at the Packard
Proving Grounds, and upon completion of this process, each car
received a "Diploma of Mechanical Excellence" signed and attested
by Packard Development Engineer Tommy Milton and Grounds Manager
C.H. Vincent certifying that the car successfully completed the
Proving Grounds process and was ready for the road. Sitting even
higher up the Packard hierarchy was its custom bodied vehicles from
LeBaron and Dietrich with their gorgeous body lines and thus more
expensive price tags. This particular Dietrich-bodied 1934 Packard
Twelve Convertible Sedan comes to us from a prominent
southern-based collection who owned this car for the past 60 years.
Additionally, this '34 Packard 12 is extremely well documented
including the original registration cards from 1934 through 1940,
the original Packard Proving Grounds Certification, as well as
numerous receipts and invoices from its most recent frame off
restoration occurring approximately 10 years ago and its previous
restoration that took place in the mid-70s. Under the hood on this
'34 Packard is a 445.5 Cubic Inch Modified L-Head V-12 engine
paired with a single Stromberg 2 barrel carburetor that together
were said to have created 160 horsepower. The 446 V12 is mated to a
3 speed manual transmission that is shifted using the floor mounted
shifter just how this Convertible Sedan came back in 1934. Like all
Senior Packards in 1934, braking is provided by vacuum-assisted
mechanical brakes in all four corners and a sensitivity control is
incorporated into the dash. This 1934 Packard V-12 is
well-appointed with regards to options. Underneath the headlights
are a pair of driving lights that improve nighttime visibility.
This Dietrich-bodied '34 Packard is also equipped with a driver's
side auxiliary spotlight which was a factory option for Packard
back in 1934. The dual sidemounted spare tires are enclosed in
sidemount covers that match the exterior paint scheme of this
Senior Packard and are topped by a pair of chrome outside mirrors
that add to this Packard's premium look. Likewise, a rear-mounted
color-matched trunk sits on the rear luggage rack for additional
noninvasive enclosed storage while cruising with passengers. The
beige convertible top is outfitted with a glass rear window, all of
which are in excellent condition. Around the exterior of this 1934
Packard Twelve Convertible, the chrome grille, chrome Cormorant
hood ornament, chrome lights, trim and additional brightwork are
all in outstanding, show worthy condition. Refinished in a two-tone
paint scheme consisting of Meadow Green and Mint Green, the Custom
Dietrich Body on this 1934 Packard 12 Convertible Sedan is truly
exceptional and is sure to be the center of attention at nearly any
event. Completing the exterior appearance of this '34 Packard
Convertible is a set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires that are
wrapped around wire wheels and are topped off by accenting Packard
Twelve chrome hubcaps. The interior on this 1934 Packard Twelve
Convertible Sedan is absolutely stunning! The front and rear bench
seats have been reupholstered in lush Burgundy Leather and are
separated by a functional crank up divider window. The back of the
front seat features the crank for the divider window and a Burgundy
leather cord to hang robes or blankets should the rear passengers
get cold on a chilly night. The rear seat is also outfitted with a
folding center armrest and footrests for additional passenger
comfort. Each of the four door panels are refinished with embossed
Burgundy vinyl with two-tone wood accents along with chrome door
handles and window cranks. The woodgrain dash and wooden steering
wheel are in wonderful condition as well and appear to be in their
stock configuration. The dash is equipped with a 120 MPH Waltham
speedometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, amperes gauge,
gasoline gauge, and clock, as well as an optional factory AM radio
and cigar lighter. Whether you're adding to your collection of CCCA
Full Classics or you're purchasing your very first classic car,
this 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan would make an
excellent choice. Give us a call today at 763-428-7337!
*445.5 Cu. In. V12
*Stromberg 2 Barrel Carburetor
*160 Horsepower
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*Dual Sidemounted Spare Tires w/ Covers
*Professional Frame Off Restoration
*Paperwork Dating Back to New
*Two-Tone Mint Green/Meadow Green Exterior
*Burgundy Leather Interior w/ Divider Window
*Accessory Spotlight
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 77,500 Miles
