Chassis No.: 1038-256

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

$165,000 USD | Sold

Series 1507. 175 bhp, 473.3 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, independent coil spring front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 139.25"

• Full Classic rumble seat coupe

• Second in Class at Pebble Beach 2008

• From the collection of the late Zach Brinkerhoff

The Packard Twelve itself is remarkable. Born at the cusp of the Great Depression, it was certainly a response to the 12- and 16-cylinder Cadillacs introduced in 1930, although the seeds of the project had been planted earlier. In January 1932, Packard brought out a 12-cylinder line on two wheelbases, Models 905 and 906,z measuring 142.5 and 147.5 inches respectively.

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The new car was powered by a 445.5-cubic inch V-12, making 160 bhp at 3,200 rpm. Designed by Cornelius Van Ranst, whose credits included the Cord L-29, the V-12 was originally intended for a front-wheel drive Packard, a project that proved stillborn. The engine, however, survived, transplanted to the chassis of the Deluxe Eight. A narrow, 67-degree vee, it was of unusual configuration with valves nearly horizontal, actuated by hydraulic tappets. Packard continued to build V-12s until 1939, the engine enlarged to 473.3 cubic inches in 1935. Only in 1937 were more than 1,000 made in a single year. The Twin Six name was retired after ’32, the cars thereafter called simply “Twelve.”

This car was discovered in Oregon in 2003 by Jim Bradley, who was on the trail of a 1913 Buick. The Packard had been in storage for some 30 years, having been previously owned by a Mr. Beers in Michigan. Indeed, it had originally been delivered on August 31, 1937 by the Detroit Branch of the Packard Motor Car Company, the factory dealership. The car was restored in the 1970s, but Zach Brinkerhoff recognized it as a gem to fill a void in his discriminating Packard collection.

Renowned in the classic car world, Zachary “Zach” Brinkerhoff had an early penchant for Cadillac V-16s. His late wife, Jeanne, however, developed a liking for Packards, so over the years his collection evolved from Cadillacs to Packards, and he became the man to ask, because he owned not just one but several. A frequent participant at Pebble Beach, Palm Springs and other concours, he had a mission in mind for this coupe. He purchased it on October 15, 2007 with a goal of showing it at Pebble Beach the following August, a daunting task. Restorer Mark Clayton of Castle Rock, Colorado took on the challenge.

With five people dedicated to the job, Clayton oversaw some 4,800 work-hours and by August had the car ready, not just for display but for the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance that precedes the concours.

On the show field, the judges had their say. They spent eight minutes scrutinizing the Packard coupe, awarding it 101 points. Its competition was a 102-point Duesenberg Model J Murphy Clear Vision Sedan. Since its signature Pebble Beach appearance, the car has been carefully maintained by Russ Pierson, who oversaw Mr. Brinkerhoff’s collection. It is in excellent condition, from tan paint to grey broadcloth to handsome burl woodgrain. The rumble seat is upholstered in leather matching the body color. It is ready to show, tour or simply be enjoyed.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/az12/lots/r215-1937-packard-1507-twelve-24passenger-coupe/