Vehicle Description
1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Series Convertible Coupe
Towards the end of the Great Depression, Packard produced the
Twelve, a quintessential luxury car that would be the standard
bearer for decades to come. In 1938, just 32 convertible coupes
were built, about 10% of the total Twelve production of 280
vehicles between '38 and '39. Production ended on September 18,
1939. They were priced at around $4,500 when new, equal to about
$95,000 today.
For consignment, a 1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Series convertible
coupe and it's possible it's one of eight known to exist. Over the
course of our consignor's 40 year ownership many restorative
actions, including a proper paint job eight years ago, have taken
place. This is a rare opportunity to own one of America's premiere
historic luxury cars and this example shows 49,262 non-verifiable
miles on the odometer.
Exterior
Packard Ivory was applied to this car after it was disassembled and
stripped and covers the large panels and sweeping fenders in fine
form. It coats the radiator shell which is sculpted to follow the
contours of the long hood while the grille is topped by scalloped
trim creating an exquisite, streamlined nose. The chrome was redone
on the car 20 years ago and still looks good today. The bold front
bumper creates the leading edge of the car in front of massive
pontoon fenders, yellow fog lights, and headlights with descending
trim that falls to the bumper. The graceful cormorant hood ornament
shines bright, wing outstretched, and leading another trim piece
that runs the center of the hood. Spare wheels are encased in color
keyed holders, each fitted into the hand hammered steel hollow of
the front fenders. The 16-inch wheels are also painted to match the
car and wear beauty rings and proper Packard hubcaps. Our tan top
is in excellent condition, redone 20 years ago and has never seen
rain. The paint's creamy coverage of this car is excellent and we
did not find any exterior flaws.
Interior
The upholstery was redone before our consignor took possession and
is showing some age. Black leather is buttoned and pleated on the
door panels topped by a wood header and retaining leather wrapped
armrests. The tufted front split bench seat, along with the rear
split bench, side walls, and armrests all show wear in the leather
has some wear, contrasting with the exterior. Even with the patina,
it's not difficult to imagine the opulence this would have
represented in 1938. The ivory colored banjo style steering wheel
is in decent condition with some minor cracking while the gray
painted dash is in fine shape, housing a row of four large gauges
with deco inspired font and design. Metal and ivory knobs provide
the controls on the dash and a long shifter rises from the floor
which is covered in plush black carpet. Tweed covers the inside of
the trunk lid and walls while a rubber mat protects the floor of
the lighted space.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a 473ci L-head V12 engine, rated at 175 horsepower
and fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor. It is set into motion with a
3-speed Synchromesh manual transmission which sends power to the
rear wheels and 4.63 gears. The engine bay presents very cleanly
but would need some detailing to bring it up to concours level. The
Packard is equipped with drum brakes on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
An X-frame and an enormous oil pan highlight an underside that is
clean but driver quality. There's a bit of surface rust on the leaf
springs in back, some residual oil on the transmission and on the
rear differential as well. Our consignor states the exhaust system
was replaced two years ago and consists of a single pipe, stock
style muffler, and a tailpipe that exits under the rear bumper. The
front suspension is independent and houses coil springs.
Drive-Ability
This was a car for the wealthy to drive, not to be driven in. So
the front seat caters to comfort and ease and the car, with its 134
inch wheelbase, floats along our flat test loop like a swan across
smooth water. It really does glide as the V12 pulls the car
effortlessly and quietly. The clock and wipers are not functioning,
but all other operations work as they should. Our consignor states
the wiring harness was replaced 18 years ago.
Elegance, opulence, and even a bit of sportiness describe this drop
top from an era when the country was getting back on its feet,
climbing out of a depression. If you were in a position to veer
from the typical Ford or Buick of the day, this was a giant step up
and remains an iconic luxury car that in some ways, set the bar for
all future halo cars aiming to garner the attention of the well to
do. This is a rare car indeed and we're thrilled to offer this on
consignment at Classic Auto Mall.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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