Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 134
1935 Packard Twelve Model 1207 Convertible Victoria Chassis no. 827-226
Estimate: US$175,000 - US$250,000
Lot 134
1935 Packard Twelve Model 1207 Convertible Victoria
1935 Packard Twelve Model 1207 Convertible Victoria
Chassis no. 827-226
Chassis no. 827-226
473ci L-Head V-12 Engine
Single Dual-throat Stromberg Carburetor
175bhp at 3,200rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Desirable open convertible coachwork
*High quality Packard from the peak of the classic era
*Formerly owned by Bill Hirsch
*CCCA Full Classic™
THE 1930s PACKARD
By the mid-1930s, Detroit-based Packard had achieved a worldwide reputation for style and quality. The ever more impressive and refined lineage of cars produced by the automaker traced back to the first Packard delivered in 1900. A measure of Packard's global eminence in 1935 can be seen in the fact that, among the nearly 2,000 dealers representing the marque that year, 280 were operating in foreign lands.
The styling for all 1935 senior Packards represented a pleasing transition to the streamlined vogue. Front fenders were more deeply skirted, while new "pontoon" rear units complemented the sweeping lines. Even the stately Packard radiator grille was given a slight, five-degree rake. In keeping with contemporary design trends, the radiator shell was painted to match the body color, as were the bullet-shaped headlamp pods.
Built on the 139¼ - inch wheelbase, the model 1207 was offered with 10 individual body styles. Arguably, none were more in tune with the coachbuilding fashions of its era than the Convertible Victoria. The more austere times and trends perhaps dictated a shift towards all-weather designs, allowing one car to suit multiple climate conditions, rather than needing a stable of bespoke automobiles each with a specific purpose. For this fashionable style Packard turned to the styling and coachbuilding firm Dietrich, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. Founded by Raymond Dietrich, the firm reached a mythic status with their handsome and innovative styling, and Dietrich became a frequent collaborator with Packard; their designs as applied to these chassis today represent some of the most revered models of the Classic era. Priced at $4,790, the Convertible Victoria was the second most expensive body style available and would no doubt have only accounted for a modest percentage of the 788 Twelve chassis built.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
As verified by its original chassis plate, the Twelve presented here was supplied as new through the Zell Motor Company of Baltimore, Maryland, not too far from where it hails from today. The subject of a concours restoration some years ago, that work was carried out for the respected marque authority and parts supplier Bill Hirsch during his ownership. The concours quality refurbishment resulted that the time in a National First Prize Award with the Classic Car Club of America.
Its supremely elegant Dietrich designed coachwork is finished in a rich dark chocolate hue, and has a tan leather interior and top, these are matched by tan coachlines. Equipped with chrome wire wheels, the car features the additional option of dual side mounts, which would have added a further $65 to its already heady price tag, as well as a trunk rack and the graceful Cormorant hood ornament which appropriately reflects the model's smooth performance.
After Mr. Hirsch's tenure, the car passed on through a series of notable and knowledgeable Packard aficionados before arriving in the present collector's hands. Owing to the careful and respectful ownerships its older restoration remains in particularly fine order, while at the same time not being too perfect that it cannot be driven and enjoyed. By merit of its stature in the hobby, this model stands as a Full Classic with the CCCA, and would be ideally eligible for their CARavan tours.
As when new, the Convertible Victoria provides a brilliant balance of design with the looks of a roadster, yet with comfortable seating for four and the practical options to enjoy the sunshine when it comes, or be fully protected from the elements if need be, making them and ideal tour car. This elegantly colored and well restored example is worthy of close inspection.
Single Dual-throat Stromberg Carburetor
175bhp at 3,200rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Desirable open convertible coachwork
*High quality Packard from the peak of the classic era
*Formerly owned by Bill Hirsch
*CCCA Full Classic™
THE 1930s PACKARD
By the mid-1930s, Detroit-based Packard had achieved a worldwide reputation for style and quality. The ever more impressive and refined lineage of cars produced by the automaker traced back to the first Packard delivered in 1900. A measure of Packard's global eminence in 1935 can be seen in the fact that, among the nearly 2,000 dealers representing the marque that year, 280 were operating in foreign lands.
The styling for all 1935 senior Packards represented a pleasing transition to the streamlined vogue. Front fenders were more deeply skirted, while new "pontoon" rear units complemented the sweeping lines. Even the stately Packard radiator grille was given a slight, five-degree rake. In keeping with contemporary design trends, the radiator shell was painted to match the body color, as were the bullet-shaped headlamp pods.
Built on the 139¼ - inch wheelbase, the model 1207 was offered with 10 individual body styles. Arguably, none were more in tune with the coachbuilding fashions of its era than the Convertible Victoria. The more austere times and trends perhaps dictated a shift towards all-weather designs, allowing one car to suit multiple climate conditions, rather than needing a stable of bespoke automobiles each with a specific purpose. For this fashionable style Packard turned to the styling and coachbuilding firm Dietrich, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan. Founded by Raymond Dietrich, the firm reached a mythic status with their handsome and innovative styling, and Dietrich became a frequent collaborator with Packard; their designs as applied to these chassis today represent some of the most revered models of the Classic era. Priced at $4,790, the Convertible Victoria was the second most expensive body style available and would no doubt have only accounted for a modest percentage of the 788 Twelve chassis built.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
As verified by its original chassis plate, the Twelve presented here was supplied as new through the Zell Motor Company of Baltimore, Maryland, not too far from where it hails from today. The subject of a concours restoration some years ago, that work was carried out for the respected marque authority and parts supplier Bill Hirsch during his ownership. The concours quality refurbishment resulted that the time in a National First Prize Award with the Classic Car Club of America.
Its supremely elegant Dietrich designed coachwork is finished in a rich dark chocolate hue, and has a tan leather interior and top, these are matched by tan coachlines. Equipped with chrome wire wheels, the car features the additional option of dual side mounts, which would have added a further $65 to its already heady price tag, as well as a trunk rack and the graceful Cormorant hood ornament which appropriately reflects the model's smooth performance.
After Mr. Hirsch's tenure, the car passed on through a series of notable and knowledgeable Packard aficionados before arriving in the present collector's hands. Owing to the careful and respectful ownerships its older restoration remains in particularly fine order, while at the same time not being too perfect that it cannot be driven and enjoyed. By merit of its stature in the hobby, this model stands as a Full Classic with the CCCA, and would be ideally eligible for their CARavan tours.
As when new, the Convertible Victoria provides a brilliant balance of design with the looks of a roadster, yet with comfortable seating for four and the practical options to enjoy the sunshine when it comes, or be fully protected from the elements if need be, making them and ideal tour car. This elegantly colored and well restored example is worthy of close inspection.
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