1936 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe

1936 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe

Chassis No. 939211

Already proprietors of the Packard Electric Company, the decision reached in 1899 by James Ward and William Doud Packard to build their own motorcars allegedly resulted from an altercation between James and fledgling manufacturer, Alexander Winton. Dissatisfied with his 'Winton' car, James suggested a series of improvements to its creator. In reply, Mr Winton somewhat hotly retorted that perhaps Mr Packard would be better off designing his own vehicle (or words to that effect). Soon afterwards, a single-cylinder 'Packard' became a regular sight around the brothers' hometown of Warren, Ohio - its chugging antics resulting in a flurry of orders and the formation of an assembly line. Relocating to Detroit in 1903, the fledgling Packard Motor Car Company swiftly emerged as one of America's leading luxury brands. A process accelerated by its 1915 introduction of a "Twin-Six" V12 range which set new benchmarks for engine refinement and performance. By the end of the 1920s, Packard had become synonymous with the last word in automotive fashion. Outselling rival Cadillac by three to one, its distinctive tombstone grilles graced the drives of many a business tycoon, film star and politician.

Yet behind the glitz, Packard's remained machines of real substance, the marque recording a whole host of US car industry firsts including: the steering wheel, H-pattern gearshift, V12 engine, thermostatic engine cooling, four-wheel brakes, hypoid rear axle, air conditioning, automatic overdrive, and torsion bar-suspension. With their effortlessly powerful 473 cu in (7.8 litre) V12 engines, three-speed synchromesh manual transmissions and four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drum brakes, the 1935-1939 era Twelves were arguably the finest Packard's ever made. Of these the 1936 model year cars were the only ones to combine an elegantly raked radiator shell with handsome 17-inch wire wheels and striking twin-blade bumpers. Something of an indulgence, just 718 of the 61,027 Packard's built for the 1936 model year were Twelves. Priced at a hefty $3,850, the Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe was a stylistic tour de force.

A wonderfully extravagant 2-seater (though, two more people could be accommodated in the dickey seat), its 139-inch wheelbase permitted the use of voluptuous wings, full-length running boards and an elegantly sloping tail. While details such as twin side-mounted spare wheels, Trippe spotlights and a fold-out luggage grid only added to the sense of visual drama. Reputedly capable of over 100mph, Packard's flagship also boasted a smooth ride, surprisingly light steering and reassuringly powerful brakes.

Our car finished in Bordeaux Red with matching Hide upholstery, this beautiful left-hand drive example - serial number 939211 - has formed part of an important collection for several years. Extensively refurbished from the chassis upwards by the vendor's own in-house team of restorers, it is a truly stunning motor car. A true rival to the Rolls-Royce Phantom III and Lagonda V12 and in some ways their superior, this gorgeous Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe is offered for sale with FIVA identity card, sundry paperwork and numerous

restoration photographs.