1934 Packard Twelve 1107 Dietrich Convertible Victoria (LHD)

Description

The patrician Packards are amongst the most coveted of all American classics, with superb engineering, wonderful styling and a build quality of the highest standard - the Packard was in a class of its own.  That Packard were able to survive the Great Depression, a time when huge numbers of automobile manufacturers disappeared, and managed to sell relatively large numbers abroad is further proof of the inherent quality found in these cars.  By the mid-Twenties, various advances had been made, including front wheel brakes in 1924 and central chassis lubrication the following year. Packard firmly established itself as the most successful luxury car maker in America by the time the Great Depression took hold and despite the tough economic climate, launched an even more expensive model line at the 1932 New York Auto Show. Dubbed the Twin Six, the new model was designed by Jesse G Vincent to be the last word in automotive luxury. Displacing 445.5 cubic inches, the multi-cylinder motor consisted of a cast iron monobloc mated to an aluminium crankcase and developed 160 horsepower at 3200 rpm, capable of propelling the new Packard to speeds in excess of 100 mph, impressive for a car weighing in excess of 5,000 pounds. Dropping the Twin Six moniker in 1933, the top-of-the-line Packard became known simply as the Twelve and the most notable changes saw the double drop frame used in 1932 ditched in favour of a new tapered design, along with an automatic choke and single dry-plate clutch. The Eleventh Series of 1934 was offered on three different wheelbase lengths: the 1106 was on the same 135-inch platform as the Super Eight, the 1107 was on a 142-inch wheelbase and the 1108 on the longest 147-inch wheelbase. Notable features included a completely new instrument panel and for the first time, a radio was optional, along with sidemount covers, heater or spotlight. For many, 1934 was the year Packard reached its zenith, the perfect combination of styling and mechanical refinement. Ranging in price from just under $4,000 to more than $7,000, the 1934 Packard Twelve was out of reach to all but the super wealthy and only 960 were completed that year. Packard's customers were a loyal bunch and this was reflected in their advertising slogan of the era, namely "Ask the man who owns one".