1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Series Convertible Coupe
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 listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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 listening. You can also watch on YouTube!