21st Sep, 2011 15:00

Imperial War Museum Duxford

 
  Lot 45
 

1936 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe

Sold for £146,250

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 939211
Mot Expiry: None

ENTERED FROM THE VALENCIA COLLECTION

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 Packards 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 Packards 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 Packards 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.

Finished in Bordeaux Red with matching upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example - serial number 939211 - has formed part of the Valencia Collection for several years. Extensively refurbished from the chassis upwards by the vendor's own in-house team of restorers, it remains highly presentable. 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.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 21st Sep, 2011

View all lots in this sale

Do you have an item to sell?

If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035

Contact Us Today!

 

Images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


Turning the Page: A New Chapter for H&H Classics
Goon, Goon, Gone: Unique Peter Sellers 1960 Bentley heads to auction
Eclectic 150-plus classic car auction helps round out H&H’s milestone 30th year celebrations
One of the UK’s best driving Aston Martin DB5s heads to auction
Mid-century sports car icons race to Buxton auction
Former front cover ‘star’ heads to auction
Classic British motorcycles shine as 230 lots head to the National Motorcycle Museum auction
Racing legend Patsy Burt's Jaguar XK120 speeds to Buxton auction
22-strong single owner classic motorcycle collection heads to auction
Norton's racing heritage set to ignite the auction stage
Rare Frazer-Nash BMW with rich racing history to be auctioned
“The Rolls-Royce” of the motorcycle world, heads to      auction
Martini inspired Porsche 911 ‘RSR’ Tribute to head under the hammer
Rare ‘Car on Two Wheels’ heads to auction for the first time in 30 years
More than 100 classics sold in H&H’s 30th anniversary sale
Stunning classics worth more than £9 million offered in 30th anniversary auction
Rare Aston Martin DB1 heads to anniversary auction from long-term ownership
Rare Bentleys to star in 30th celebration auction
H&H Classics 30th Anniversary Auction
H&H unveils details of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Classic car owners handed ULEZ lifeline
H&H Classics auction Hurricane X-75 Prototype to National Motorcycle Museum
Vintage and modern classics lead the way at latest H&H sale
H&H offers exceptional range of vehicles spanning 11 individual decades
Pavilion Gardens. Wednesday 26th July 2023
A whimsical blast from the past: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang recreation heads to auction
From Italy with love: auction showcasing the essence of Italian design and sprezzatura
250 Motorcycles & Vintage Scooters Set To Go Under The Hammer!
March of the Mods: Lambretta owned by Paul Weller heads to auction
Lawbreakers to law enforcers: historic scooters with infamous connections up for sale
Jaguar SS100 among £2¼  million worth of classics sold at the Imperial War Museum
British classics to shine at H&H Classics’ sale
Historic Guinness Collection heads to auction
Browse The Catalogue Now! 135 Classic & Performance Cars To Go Under The Hammer.
Robbie Savage’s Ferrari F430 to be sold at H&H Classics
RAC Rally winning ‘Jaguar’ to be sold at auction
Former MP’s Bentley and Facel Vega ‘garage find’ among £1.3m worth of classics hammered away by H&H
Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Auction Preview Video
Genuine ‘matching numbers’ 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback among 89 strong classic car auction
Rare Facel Vega ‘garage find’ heads to auction
Indian 4 and Lambretta DL200
Golden opportunity to acquire famous limited edition Italjet scooter
H&H Classics commences landmark year with sale of 121 cars
‘Brand new’ Porsche 911 heading to auction after 21 years
Brooklands race winning Bentley to go under the hammer
Actor, Sir Michael Caine’s first car, heads to auction. £100,000 - £150,000
A Very Rare Survivor. A 1936 Indian Four. £50,000 - £60,000
A Car that will Unite Romantics and Cynics Alike. A 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Limousine