Classique Collection
For every classic or collector car enthusiast, there is that familiar thought while passing by an old barn in a field, “What could be sitting in that barn?” More often than not the barn is vacant; or at best a rusty shell of an old work truck. But every so often another story will surface about finding a rare and desirable collector car, lovingly tucked away after years of care for various reasons. This stunning Packard Twelve Cylinder Victoriacan fall into this category!
The Packard Victoria body style was amongst the most glamorous of its time. With seating for 4, this all weather 2 door convertible had a commanding presence on the road and being powered by the 445.5 cubic inch Packard Twin Six V12. Loaded with hydraulic brakes, vacuum assisted clutch and an independent coil spring front suspension, the 1937 Packard Victoriawas one of the most luxurious ways to tour the country side both then and now. But as is often the case with fantastic cars, it’s the story that makes it even more special and this one in particular doesn’t disappoint!!
This elegant Packard was purchased new in California, undoubtedly to a very affluent individual looking to stand out amongst the posh crowd of the west coast. It’s not difficult to imagine this beautiful car in the Californiasun, cruising the coast. It would be cared for and retained by its first owner until 1961 when Dr. Robert Long of Statesville North Carolina purchased the 12 Cylinder Victoria, becoming its second owner. He would have it loaded onto a railcar and it was carefully transported across the country to its new home. Recognizing how special his motorcar was, he kept it well maintained and serviced, used it very sparely and as the story goes it was tucked away and only saw the roads once a year ….Christmas Day! The good Doctor would use the elegant convertible to tour around visiting friends and family during the holiday and then carefully park the car, keeping it maintained and ready to for the following year. After many years of this routine, as is often the case, things changed and the Packard saw even less use. The Doctor would not relinquish ownership of his prized Packard, even after being courted by several prospective buyers, until his passing a few years ago. Even after years of storage, the car remains largely original with some original paint still visible throughout covering the incredibly solid original Dietrich Coachwork. A true testament to the care the car received throughout its life and even during its time in hibernation. The car is incredibly complete and with a minor coaxing the big Packard Twin Six rumbled right back to life, almost instantly settling into a quiet and smooth idle. With that, it was back to life rolling under its own power and preparing itself for the next chapter of its history! This Packard represents the incredible opportunity of not only acquiring one of the most glamorous and expensive cars of the mid-1930’s, but also the more rare opportunity of being part of the story, the enthusiasts dream. Either just enjoying the car as it is or taking that incredible barn find and restoring it back to the stunning, awe inspiring car that rolled the streets of the West Coast almost 75 years ago!!
Afmetingen;
- Lang; 163 mm.
- Hoog; 54 mm.
