Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan 1938 - World Of Classic Cars -

Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan 1938

It is incredible to consider the rapid development of the motor car in the United States, from the one-cylinder buggies of the late-1800s to the multi-cylinder conveyances of the 1930s. The original Packard Twin Six was introduced for 1916 and became extremely popular with motorists of means. A decade after its discontinuation in 1922, the new Twin Six was introduced. Shortly after, the name was dropped in favor of the “Twelve,” in order to signify the substantive styling and engineering refinements embodied in the new model. Although the Twelve displaced an additional 49 cubic inches, or 12% more than the Twin Six, the horsepower output was almost doubled from 90 to 175, and it was a completely modern engine in a completely modern automobile.

Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan 1938

The Twelve would remain Packard’s prestige leader through the end of the 1930s, along the way gradually adopting more streamlined styling with full pontoon fenders and bullet-like headlights. It continued to boldly remind drivers of other cars that they need only “ask the man who owns one” to learn why the Detroit automaker remained the choice of America’s most prominent citizens.
The luxurious convertible sedan shown here, a 17th series car from 1938, is reportedly one of fewer than 30 built and is one of five known survivors. Its history has been traced to Russell Nairn, who reportedly bought the car after many years as a tour car for its earlier owner. Nairn later sold the Packard to Thomas Lehmann, of Germany. Lehmann began the restoration with a shop in Wisconsin, selling the car to a collector in Iowa while work was underway. The body-off restoration was finally completed after many years in April 2004. The car then traded hands again and was shown several times regionally.

Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood 1934

Little-changed since its acquisition by the late John O’Quinn in the fall of 2006, the Packard Twelve presents well in black, with a corrected buttoned red leather interior and contrasting ivory steering wheel, shielded by a black Haartz cloth top. It is every bit the image of the late Classic Era Packard, large, black, imposing, and impressive.