1939 Packard Twelve 1707 Convertible Victoria

Chassis# I2272014

Motor# B602372

Rare and desirable Convertible Victoria

Last year of the legendary Packard Twelve

Numerous factory options

Well documented history

National show winner

One of the most admired of all classic cars, the Packard Twelve ended production in 1939. With only a handful known to survive, a 1939 Packard Twelve is a rare and highly desirable automobile, an important milestone in America’s automobile history.

Packard had built a V-12, the Twin Six from 1916-1923, then reintroduced a new V-12 in 1932 as American luxury marques competed to offer the largest, smoothest and most complex multi-cylinder engines. V-12s from Packard, Lincoln and Cadillac were never built in quantity, but they created a halo of luxury and opulence that infused series production eights with their image. The 1939 Packard Twelve’s powerplant was impressive not just for the smoothness of its 473 cubic inch 67° V-12 engine but also for its 175 horsepower, only ten fewer than Cadillac’s V-16 and 25 more than Lincoln’s Model K. The Twelve was available in two chassis of 134 3/8 inches (1707) and 139 3/8 inches (1708) and offered with a list of fourteen different catalog bodies, including three coach built formal cars by Brunn and Rollston. Vacuum servo assisted hydraulic brakes complemented the V-12 engine’s power. Even the clutch had a vacuum servo to lighten its operation.

The Convertible Victoria offered accommodations, comfort and luxury not often seen on an open automobile including burl walnut dashboard facings, window caps and other details. Although Packard now fitted a standard column shift to its six – and eight-cylinder models, the 1939 Twelves offered column shift only as an option, and an expensive one at that, for $240.

This 1939 Packard Twelve 1707 Victoria Convertible is beautifully restored in the correct and very attractive Black with red leather upholstery and interior trim and a black Hartz cloth top bound in matching red leather. It is impressively equipped with the optional column shift, radio, dual enclosed side-mounts with mirrors, Packard Road and Fog lamps, front grill bar, folding rear seat center armrest, trunk rack, correct Packard accessory heater, running board courtesy lights and very rare authentic radio antenna Cormorant mascot.

The quality of the older restoration is apparent in the way it has survived and in the quality of details like the door and window seals and gaskets. Paint, chrome and the rich leather interior are all excellent. The engine, underbody and chassis have been restored to show quality standards and still are in excellent condition. The solid fit and function of the doors also attest to the quality of the workmanship and materials that went into this Packard Twelve’s restoration. This elegant Packard has a great history and was cared for by a long-time Packard owner and restorer. It has won multiple awards, including a A.A.C.A. National First Badge, Antique Automobile Club of America Premier and others including a Best of Show.  

With 175 horsepower this 1939 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria will cruise effortlessly at modern highway speeds, cosseting its occupants in silence and luxury. It is of course a Classic Car Club of America Full Classic™ and is ideal for enjoying CCCA’s many highly regarded display and particularly touring events. Very few classic automobiles combine the rarity, comfort, luxury, refined appearance and performance attributes of this magnificent Packard Twelve.