Gorgeous Packard Twelve 1607 Convertible Coupe beginning life in Beverly Hills, California when new, and staying out West through2002! Beautifully restored with show level results, and used as a proven touring car through 2011. Still in excellent shape today with a host of features! It is a rare example to find on the market representing one of only 566 Twelves built for the 1938 model year!

After the Great Depression of 1929 had crippled American lifestyle, Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, MI felt buyers of their exclusive product line would require more value for their money once on showrooms. It was decided that Senior Packards would become even more opulent and expensive! Style lines improved dramatically, and the numbered Series models continued as they begun in 1923. By1931, adjustable shocks allowed for a new, driver-operated Ride Control system. The Twin Six twelve cylinder-equipped vehicles were simply renamed Twelves in 1933 and stayed this way through their final year of 1939. With the introduction of a new medium-priced model, which came to production in 1935, named the 120 Model, it undeniably saved Packard from a similar demise as luxury brands as Stutz, Marmon, Franklin, Pierce-Arrow, and Duesenberg. This inexpensive Junior option was built by more modern mass-production standards, while the Senior cars continued to require slower, handmade traditional craftsmanship. Nearly 10 times as many Junior cars would be produced.

Packard continued to be recognized as Americas strongest luxury brand the world over. From 1937 and after, all large Packards would convert to hydraulic brakes along with Safe-T-Flex independent front suspension for added safety and ride quality. As with any luxury item, prices for the upscale Twelves came at a steep premium over their 8 cylinder variants. For comparison from 1938, the Super 8 Convertible Coupe cost $3,210,while the larger Twelve Convertible Coupe escalated the price to$4,370! Only 566 Packard Twelves would be ordered in 1938 for this reason, and today represent some of the rarest to find today!

Offered here is a superb 1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Convertible Coupe finished in period correct Chinese Red over beautiful Red Leather upholstery and Beige soft top. Bearing chassis #11392020, this lengthy and sporty 134 wheelbase offers excellent road feel and easy maneuverability! Power comes from the always dependable 473ciV12 engine providing a powerful 175 horsepower through a 3-speedfloor-shifted transmission. Options and standard features are plentiful to include dual side-mounted spares with hard covers &Packard See-Rite mirrors, Trippe Safety Lights, Cormorant hood ornament, soft top sun visors, dual golf bag side doors, running board courtesy lamps, rear rumble seat, luggage rack with rare chrome bumper guard, Deluxe heater, rear reverse light, Packard AM radio with running board antenna, and BF Goodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires.

This example sold new and remained serviced early on at Thompson Packard Motor Car Company LTD in Beverly Hills, CA located on Wilshire at Oakhurst Dr. It later made its way up the coast to Seattle, WA through 2002, before a savvy collector from Florida purchased it and sent it to Pennsylvania for a comprehensive cosmetic restoration. It would be noted at that time to be completely rust free and possessed no rot whatsoever, before receiving proper bare metal preparation for a repaint in Packard Chinese Red. An all new interior and leather upholstery would find its way on all seating surfaces including the rumble seat, and anew convertible top, boot cover, and vinyl dust cover for shows/storage fitted professionally.

The car shows only 62,407miles on the odometer, and although we have no supporting evidence of an actual mileage claim, the overall running capacity of the car is remarkable. The engine was tuned so well, even in our indoor showroom environment, it is near whisper quiet when motivated into display position! I was last sold in July 2011 when it entered the Evergreen Historic Automobiles collection where it remained largely untouched while on presentation. For this reason, the St. Louis Car Museum had the gas tank removed, flushed, cleaned, and sealed before introducing fresh fuel. The engine oil was changed and new battery installed. We cannot stress enough the brilliance of how nicely this example starts, run and drives! Past owners participated in many classic car tours in 2010, along with the 2011 Millennium Tour at the Amelia Island Concours d Elegance. Driver features added included turn signals and a backup electric fuel pump. A proven tour car with a high level of detail and superb presentation throughout! A great opportunity for any Packard enthusiast or collector!