Vehicle Description
In 1937, Packard produced a very respectable 122,593 cars, a number
which they were rightly quite proud of. Of that total, however, a
mere 1,300 left the famous Detroit plant with the spectacular
twelve-cylinder engine. Period press accolades declared these later
series Packard Twelves (1932-1939) as "the nearest thing to steam"
such was their seamless, silken and relentless power delivery. The
437 cubic-inch V12 was a beautiful design, said to have inspired
Enzo Ferrari to power his own cars with 60-degree V12 engines.
Producing a full 175 horsepower, it equaled that by made by the
mighty Cadillac Sixteen. By 1937, the Fifteenth-series Packard
Twelve had gained independent front suspension adapted from the
Junior models, as well as four wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic
brakes and a synchromesh transmission, making it one of the most
satisfying of all pre-war Packards to drive, even by today's modern
standards. The 1932-1939 Packard Twelves are still considered by
many to be among the finest American automobiles ever produced.
Packard traditionally eschewed ornate, showy bodies in favor of
sophisticated style and mechanical superiority, and the Twelve was
no different. Of the approximately 5,800 examples produced, most
were fitted with coachwork that was sophisticated and stylish, but
erred toward the conservative side. But a few examples of the
Twelve did manage to get into the hands of the more extravagant
buyers and were fitted with flamboyant bodies, perhaps the best
known among these was LeBaron. Inspired by the great 1934 Packard
Twelve LeBaron Sport Phaeton, this striking 1937 Packard is a
genuine 15th Series Twelve, wearing custom one-off coachwork and
presented in stunning condition. This particular chassis was
originally sold by Los Angeles dealer Earl C. Anthony, Inc. wearing
limousine coachwork. Somewhere along the way, the limousine body
was removed and never replaced. Many years later, the chassis was
discovered on the East Coast, mechanically complete but missing
most of the rear body. The car was purchased by a German collector,
who commissioned the mechanical restoration as well as the design
and construction of the gorgeous body it now wears. The car was
handed over to Trevor Hirst Restoration and Coachwork in the U.K.,
where the chassis was carefully stripped down, and, alongside the
engine, fully restored using many genuine parts sourced from
American Packard experts. The owner drew his inspiration from the
LeBaron Sport Phaeton which was an earlier design than his 1937
chassis, posing some issues with proportion and fit which were
overcome using sophisticated computer-aided design, as well
measurements taken directly from a genuine example in California.
An intricate ash frame was built to support the skin, and the
panels were crafted using traditional English coachbuilding
techniques. Details such as the windscreen frames, door hinges and
convertible top frame were engineered and hand built in Mr. Hirst's
workshop. The level of detail and quality of the craftsmanship is
truly astounding, and in spite of the modern time line, this is a
truly coachbuilt Packard in the most traditional sense. The expert
workmanship shines via the beautiful and visually striking metallic
indigo paintwork. The modern color suits the flamboyant
LeBaron-inspired lines beautifully, and the carefully selected
light cream interior provides a lovely contrast. It rides on a set
of steel wheels with chrome beauty rings and chrome Packard Twelve
wheel covers, which are mounted with wide-whitewall bias-ply tires
for the proper road feel and handling. The chrome plating is
executed to concours standards with the big bumpers, radiator slats
and headlamps presenting in beautiful order. The interior is
equally stunning, trimmed in high quality cream colored leather on
the seats and door panels. Beautiful oatmeal carpets are bound in
matching leather, and the fit and finish is excellent. The dash is
finished to a very high standard in lovely light burl wood with an
original Packard Twelve fascia housing modern instruments. The rear
cowl hinges upward for easy access to the passenger compartment and
the soft top is fully functional, covered with a dark blue canvas
boot when folded. Mechanically, this car was built to be driven. It
starts readily and runs strong, rewarding the driver with excellent
road manners. The specification was enhanced with a large capacity
fuel tank as well as a stainless steel exhaust system and the
engine is properly detailed in correct Packard Green to original
spec. It has been regularly used by the most recent owner and it is
reported to be a thoroughly enjoyable car for touring. The quality
of the construction and beautiful presentation would surely make it
welcome in show events with new coachwork classes, or simply an
outstanding and gorgeous machine to drive and enjoy with the whole
family. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, this is a genuine
Packard Twelve in excellent mechanical order wearing a stunningly
beautiful body, hand built by a gifted craftsman at great expense.
