Vehicle Description
This 1937 Packard Twelve Model 1507-1039 Coupe-Roadster is an
absolutely gorgeous V-12 Packard with impressive CCCA touring
history. 1937 was an important year for Packard, the American
luxury automaker who rose to prominence building some of the finest
automobiles on US roads for decades. Like all American automobile
manufacturers in the early 30s, Packard suffered significantly from
the poor economic conditions and effects of the Great Depression.
However, unlike virtually all of its luxury car manufacturer
contemporaries, such as Marmon, Stutz, Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg,
Peerless, and Pierce-Arrow, all of whom went bankrupt, Packard was
able to survive and by 1937 Packard was thriving. Packard's ability
to persevere through the Great Depression was due in large part to
Packard's entry into the intermediate-priced car market. While
Packard experienced impressive success selling its more
affordably-priced Packard 120, the luxury automaker never
completely abandoned its "Senior Packard" lines. In September 1936,
the Fifteenth Series Packard Twelve models were introduced
alongside the lower-level Super Eight models, however, the Packard
Eight was gone. The 1937 Packards' most important and notable
improvements were the mechanical upgrades. Up front, Packard
swapped its single front axle for its new "Safe-T-Flex" independent
front suspension that delivered a much smoother ride cruising down
the road. In addition, Packard upgraded the braking system to a
4-wheel hydraulic setup, replacing the antiquated mechanical brakes
that adorned Packard's previous generations. In addition, Packard
modernized the doors on its Twelve models now outfitted with front
hinges which was not only forward-looking but also much safer,
compared to the suicide-style doors found on the earlier Packards.
With the introduction of the 6 cylinder Packard 115 and the sales
success of the more established 120, Packard sold the most cars in
its history. Nonetheless, Packard produced a mere 1,300 Twelves, of
which, included a believed 69 Model 1039 Coupe-Roadsters, which
makes this particular vehicle a particularly rare automobile. The
1937 Packard Twelve's beauty and rarity means that it's recognized
by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full Classic meaning
that it qualifies to participate in CCCA events and CARavans. In
addition, this particular Coupe Roadster comes to us from a
prominent collector of Full Classics who is believed to have been
the steward of this car for 40 years and won the CCCA William F.
Crossett Award in this car on its debut CARavan. Powering this '37
Packard Twelve is a 473.3 Cubic Inch V-12 engine fed by a Stromberg
single 2 barrel carburetor that was said to have created 175
horsepower when new. The 473 V12 is mated to a 3 speed manual
transmission that is shifted using a floor mounted shifter. Braking
is supplied to all four wheels via vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes
which makes bringing this 5,000+ pound Coupe Roadster to a complete
stop much easier. This Fifteenth Series Packard is well appointed
with options further elevating this particular roadster above many
others. With dual side-mounted spare tires and matching side-mount
covers, this 1937 Packard 12 has truly luxurious curb appeal.
Moreover, each side-mount cover is topped by a chrome mirror which
makes squeezing into a tight spot at the local car show or drive in
much easier. The rear mounted luggage rack is another welcome
addition so that you can easily carry all of your belongings with
you on an overnight trip or cruise. The front bumper is also
appointed with the optional bumper guards further elevating the
exterior appearance of this impressive automobile. Golf club access
doors are also incorporated into both sides of the Coupe Roadster
which was a neat novelty of many Pre-War classics and makes this
Senior Packard a car that you could take to the country club for a
round on the links. Riding on a set of wide whitewall bias-ply
tires mounted on wheel discs accented by Packard Twelve
wheelcovers, this Full Classic has a stunning look whether parked
at the car show or cruising down the road. The exterior has been
refinished in a beautiful Copper Mist hue and was a tasteful update
to this nearly 90 year old convertible. The beige cloth convertible
top is manual operated and is in fantastic condition as well. The
chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this 1937 Packard
Twelve is in wonderful condition and complete the exceptional
exterior look of this car. The interior of this 1937 Packard Model
1039 Roadster is absolutely stunning! The front bench seat and rear
rumble seat have been reupholstered in elegant Walnut Brown
leather. The matching upholstered door panels with armrests and
burl woodgrain accents, burl woodgrain dash, and full-size
banjo-style steering wheel are in outstanding condition as well and
appear to be in their stock coniguration. This '37 Packard Twelve
Roadster is outfitted with full instrumentation including a 120 MPH
speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, and
fuel gauge. Also incorporated into the instrument cluster is a
clock and optional AM radio. Likewise, an optional heater is
mounted neatly under the dash as well. The dash is completed with a
pair of locking gloveboxes, starter button, headlight controls,
throttle controls, and a cigar lighter. Whether you're adding to an
existing collection of CCCA Full Classic or you are buying your
first classic car, this 1937 Packard Twelve Model 1507-1039
Coupe-Roadster would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a
call today at 763-428-7337!
*473.3 Cu. In. V12
*Single 2 Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*120 Horsepower
*Hydraulic Brakes w/ Vacuum Booster
*Single Enthusiast Owner for 40 Years
*Copper Mist Exterior
*Walnut Brown Leather Interior
*Rumble Seat
*Dual Sidemounted Spares w/ Chrome Mirrors
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 69,360 Miles
