1934 Packard Twelve

This 1934 Packard Twelve Dietrich Convertible Sedan is an impeccably restored, well documented, custom bodied Packard and is perhaps the nicest example we've ever seen. In the years leading up to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, there were numerous luxury automakers prior to the Great Depression including names such as Cadillac, Marmon, Stutz, and Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, along with the Three P's comprised of Peerless, Pierce-Arrow, and Packard. However, when the Stock Market crashed in 1929, billions of dollars of wealth was completely wiped out and demand for high-end luxury automobiles cratered. In the tough years that followed, companies such as Peerless and Marmon went bankrupt, and the remaining luxury builders were either running on fumes or on their last legs. By 1933, the United States and the rest of the world was beginning to emerge from the economic devastation of the Great Depression and Packard, who struggled to survive, had shown its first profitable year since the Depression began. Going into 1934, Packard management was hopeful that they were through the worst of it and seemed to pull out all of the stops for its 11th Series. Despite 55 different body styles to choose from, Packard's production and sales numbers were disappointing in 1934 with the company's production numbers dropping to level not seen since the early 20s. Of the three Series offered by Packard in 1934, the top-of-the-line model was the Packard Twelve complete with a long wheelbase and Packard's famous V-12 engine that debuted as the Twin Six back in 1932. Interestingly, all of Packard Twelves' and their V-12 engines underwent vigorous testing, breaking in, and tuning at the Packard Proving Grounds, and upon completion of this process, each car received a Diploma of Mechanical Excellence signed and attested by Packard Development Engineer Tommy Milton and Grounds Manager C.H. Vincent certifying that the car successfully completed the Proving Grounds process and was ready for the road. Sitting even higher up the Packard hierarchy was its custom bodied vehicles from LeBaron and Dietrich with their gorgeous body lines and thus more expensive price tags. This particular Dietrich-bodied 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan comes to us from a prominent southern-based collection who owned this car for the past 60 years. Additionally, this '34 Packard 12 is extremely well documented including the original registration cards from 1934 through 1940, the original Packard Proving Grounds Certification, as well as numerous receipts and invoices from its most recent frame off restoration occurring approximately 10 years ago and its previous restoration that took place in the mid-70s. Under the hood on this '34 Packard is a 445.5 Cubic Inch Modified L-Head V-12 engine paired with a single Stromberg 2 barrel carburetor that together were said to have created 160 horsepower. The 446 V12 is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted using the floor mounted shifter just how this Convertible Sedan came back in 1934. Like all Senior Packards in 1934, braking is provided by vacuum-assisted mechanical brakes in all four corners and a sensitivity control is incorporated into the dash. This 1934 Packard V-12 is well-appointed with regards to options. Underneath the headlights are a pair of driving lights that improve nighttime visibility. This Dietrich-bodied '34 Packard is also equipped with a driver's side auxiliary spotlight which was a factory option for Packard back in 1934. The dual sidemounted spare tires are enclosed in sidemount covers that match the exterior paint scheme of this Senior Packard and are topped by a pair of chrome outside mirrors that add to this Packard's premium look. Likewise, a rear-mounted color-matched trunk sits on the rear luggage rack for additional noninvasive enclosed storage while cruising with passengers. The beige convertible top is outfitted with a glass rear window, all of which are in excellent co