Vehicle Description
Vehicle No. 1027-245
Engine No. 906829
Packard emerged as a leader in the luxury car market during the
1930s by masterfully blending power and elegance, reaching its
zenith in 1937 with the Fifteenth Series Twelves. This period,
known as the Classic Era, saw Packard thrive despite the Great
Depression, thanks to its opulent interiors, sophisticated styling,
and, most notably, the renowned smoothness of its straight-eight
and V12 engines. The 1937 Fifteenth Series Packards, especially
twelve-cylinder models, equipped with innovations like the
"Safe-T-Flex" independent front suspension for enhanced stability
and vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes, continue to represent the
ultimate evolution of Packard's pre-war design and engineering
among enthusiasts.
These advancements, combined with subtly modernized yet
conservatively elegant coachwork, resulted in arguably the finest
of all Classic Era automobiles. In particular, the Convertible
Victoria, a two-door, four-seat all-weather convertible, showcased
the Fifteenth Series' design better than any other model with its
smoothly raked radiator shell, beautifully rounded fenders, and
tapered headlights. These striking elements and a lofty starting
price of $4,490 when new have made the surviving Convertible
Victorias among the rarest and most highly coveted examples,
remaining closely held in private collections and rarely becoming
available for sale.
According to Packard factory records, of the 1,300 Fifteenth Series
cars produced for 1937, merely 45 were factory-equipped with the
graceful Convertible Victoria coachwork seen here. Prior to joining
the current owner's stable, this particular Classic Era Packard was
the subject of an exquisite concours-level, multi-year restoration
by noted restorer Jim Lowrey of Lowrey's Auto Restoration in
Tilton, New Hampshire circa 2015-2020. The restoration, which was
personally overseen by Lowrey from start to finish, saw the highly
original Packard renewed to an exceptional standard inside and out.
Its finish of rich burgundy with gold pinstriping is complemented
by a tan canvas soft with matching burgundy piping. The elegant
color combination is carried inside with sumptuous two-tone
burgundy leather and tan broadcloth upholstery trimming the door
panels and deeply cushioned bench seats, completed to an exacting
standard. Handsome wood-grain trim frames the A-pillars and the
jewel-like dash which contains the instruments, along with a clock
and a rare back-lit radio unit. In addition to its attractive
livery, this Packard wears numerous desirable accessories including
dual side-mounted spare tires with matching burgundy hard covers,
exterior sideview mirrors, Packard's signature Cormorant radiator
mascot, and a fold-out rear luggage rack.
Following its completion, the Packard was entrusted to the marque
specialists at Stone Barn Restorations in Vienna, New Jersey for a
thorough inspection and further post-restoration sorting in 2020.
With the help of prominent Packard collector Dave Kane, chassis
number 1027-245 was subsequently acquired by the late Judge Joseph
Cassini III of New Jersey with the intention of showing it at the
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Packard Twelve passed to the
current owner in 2023 - a highly regarded Southern California-based
collection of spectacular American Classics housing some of the
world's finest Duesenbergs and Packards. Under current ownership,
the Packard once again visited Stone Barn Restorations in early
2024.
Beautifully restored and exceptionally well prepared in recent
years, this Convertible Victoria represents one of the rarest and
most desired masterpieces of the Classic Era. Also noted by Dave
Kane to retain its original engine, chassis, and supremely rare
original Convertible Victoria coachwork, this outstanding Fifteenth
Series Packard is ready to be shown on the world's most prestigious
concours fields and is sure to impress at its inaugural outing.
Please note this car is titled by its engine number.
