Packard 1-48 Six Special Runabout, 1912
Packard Six
Packard Six•
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Chassis No.: 23698
Registration: US Title
Location: Monterey, California
$368,000 USD | Sold
- Known history, with only four owners since new
- One of just two extant original 1-48 Runabouts; unique custom coachwork
- Attractive older restoration by early Packard guru Leonard Davis
- Driven by the Manns on numerous long-distance tours
One of just six extant examples of the mighty six-cylinder Packard 1-48, the car offered here is one of two original two-passenger runabouts, and the only one with an original custom body. It was crafted for the first owner, Oakleigh Thorne of Millbrook, New York. A 1948 obituary noted that “he had an important place in the financial structure of New York. During the 1907 bank panic Mr. Thorne, as president of the Trust Company of America…was among those who took steps to restore normal conditions.” The body was crafted with unusually angular fenders, as well as with a 50-gallon gas tank, apparently suiting Mr.
Thorne’s desires for long-distance travel, and with removable windshield and top, producing a truly sexy automobile for its era. Historian Tim Martin notes that the car appeared with Mr. Thorne in New York registration rosters, bearing plate number 76605 as early as 1915.
In 1939, Walt Levino, an early enthusiast from Peekskill, New York, exhibited a Lozier at that year’s New York World’s Fair. According to the late Al Nippert, Mr. Thorne spotted the Lozier on display and, impressed by its condition, invited Mr. Levino to his home, where he gave him the Packard! Mr. Nippert recounted that the car had been driven to and from California several times—likely, as Mr. Thorne had family in the West and, incredible as it may sound for the era, he did indeed use the car to visit them!
The car was given a partial restoration and remained with Mr. Levino, occasionally driven and displayed in early events, until 1965, then was purchased by collector Jack Tallman of Decatur, Illinois. Mr. Tallman undertook a full restoration of the car in the hands of the early Packard specialist, Leonard Davis, installing more traditional and attractive fenders, mounting at the two seats at a slightly more rakish and comfortable angle, and installing a “mechanic’s seat” on the left fender. The completed automobile, as flamboyant and dramatic as one would wish, remained a centerpiece of The Tallman Collection until nearly the end of its owner’s life.
In 2011 the Packard was acquired from Mr. Tallman by Sam and Emily Mann, joining several other distinguished Brass Era automobiles in their collection. It remains largely in its Davis restoration, which has held up well for its vintage, testimony to the quality of the workmanship as well as the good care that the car has had since. Indeed, the Manns have delighted in keeping the car a “runner,” which they have exercised with joy on several long-distance tours over the last 14 years, including at least 10 of the 500-mile Mozart Tours, and similar events in New England and Pennsylvania.
“With the top and windshield very easily removed by two acorn nuts each, the car has a very rakish look, unusual and highly sporting for a Packard of its era and providing the ultimate in fresh air motoring," notes Mr. Mann. “This model has lighter weight than later cars, which, combined with the balance and more neutral center of gravity provided by its transaxle design, make it a lively and stable drive. Its four-speed progressive shifter allows smooth, quick shifts. The very powerful engine pulls most hills in high gear, accelerating all the way. With the steering box rebuilt with roller bearings, steering is light, quick, and direct.”
It is, in sum, a magnificent Brass Packard, of quality, purity, and rich provenance.
https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo25/lots/r0055-1912-packard-148-six-special-runabout/
Cost
1,351,480 AED
