- Believed to be 1 of only 4 remaining
- In excess of $340,000 in restoration receipts and service
- Multiple CCCA Senior Award winner
- AACA Award winner
- Ownership includes 30-plus years of a noted CCCA member
LOT 653
Selling on Saturday Evening
Designed by Dietrich
1933 Packard Twelve 1005 Convertible Sedan
The new Packard Twelve was powered by a 445.5-cubic-inch engine, making 160 brake horsepower at 3,200 rpm. Designed by Cornelius Van Ranst, whose credits included the Cord L-29. A narrow, 67-degree vee, it was of unusual configuration with valves nearly horizontal, actuated by hydraulic tappets. The combustion chamber was partially in the block, giving rise to the description "modified L-head." The transmission had only three speeds, but by mid-year, all Packards would be so equipped. The earlier four-speed transmissions were not really required in cars that seldom required shifting.
In retrospect, the introduction of a marque motor car in the depths of the Depression may seem like sheer lunacy, but there was a certain logic to it. Development of the engine was substantially complete before the Crash, and the rest of the car was based on the Deluxe Eight, so there was little additional cash outlay required. Moreover, multi-cylinder cars were plenteous in the marketplace, as Cadillac had introduced V-12 and V-16 cars in 1930, and the archrival Pierce-Arrow had a twelve in the works for 1932, as did Lincoln. Struggling Marmon, moreover, had staked its fortunes on a V-16 in 1931, which would prove its undoing. Not to have fielded, the Twin Six would have put Packard at a severe disadvantage with those who could still afford a luxury car and didn't mind flaunting it. Ostensibly, the profit margin on such a car could well justify its manufacture, but prices, body for body, were only $100 to $150 above those of the Deluxe Eight. In that respect, the Twin Six was a real bargain, but only 549 were sold.
For 1933, the line was re-christened the "Packard Twelve," and while the marketing was just as ambitious, the results were nearly the same as the previous year, with between 512 and 600 cars built, according to sources. Bodies included nine Packard-built styles shared with the 1004 Super Eight, as well as two 1006 long-wheelbase models, a formal sedan, and a limousine. Also on the 1006 chassis were a myriad of customs by Dietrich, LeBaron, and others.
This car is Style 643, the Dietrich-designed, Packard-built convertible sedan. The cost of the 1933 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan was $4,650, the highest priced Packard other than the coach-built cars. This spectacular Packard is 1 of just 14 Model 643 Dietrich Convertible Sedans produced. It was delivered new to New York City in June of 1933, wearing chassis number 901396 and engine number 901400. The original, and seldom seen, brass body plate from Dietrich is still affixed to the body showing: body 3047, number 6289. A copy of a 1953 New York registration is with the car, and it was previously owned by Mr. George Davenport of Syracuse, New York. In 1989, the Packard was acquired by Ed Miller from a collector in Massachusetts in unrestored condition. Mr. Miller began restoration on the rare Dietrich-designed Packard in 1990. Ever the perfectionist, the painstaking restoration process was not concluded until 2002. Over $340,000 was spent on this Packard to create one of the finest of its kind. His efforts were rewarded with two CCCA (Classic Car Club of America) 100-point show wins, as well a 98.7-point win. Mr. Miller further upgraded the car with Wilton carpets after these victories. Finished handsomely in deep burgundy with silver fenders, this Packard is simply stunning. The interior is elegantly trimmed in rich burgundy leather accented with polished woodwork. Desirable options on this classic include dual side-mounted tires, luggage rack and twin Pilot Ray driving lamps.
Long-term ownership by a passionate Packard perfectionist, a show-winning restoration, rarity, and authenticity make this very special 1933 Packard Twelve Model 643 Dietrich Convertible Sedan an exceptional find for any collector of classic cars.
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