Series 1207. 175 hp, 473 cu in modified L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual selective synchromesh transmission, independent coil spring front suspension and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and vacuum-assisted four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 139"

• Believed one of four produced for 1935

• Smooth, powerful, and quiet V-12 motorcar

• Full CCCA Classic eligibility for all club tours and events

• Older restoration with known history from new

For the first time in Packard history, the factory issued a bulletin to dealers, along with press releases to the media, that its Twelfth Series, introduced on August 30, 1934, would also be known as 1935 models; Packards built prior to the Twelfth Series may not be properly described by the model year, as Packard introduced cars at varying times throughout the calendar year. Thus, only Packards manufactured following August 1934 are properly referred to by their designated model year. This came about for two reasons: first, Packard wanted to comply with President Roosevelt’s request that automobile announcements be as early in the fall as possible to help stabilize and reduce unemployment during the winter months. Secondly, Packard was a member of the Automobile Manufacturers Association and was partial to holding the new auto show in November rather than in January.

All the hoopla at Packard in 1935 centered on the new low-priced One Twenty model, a first for the marque from East Grand Boulevard. Regardless, Packard remained the leader in luxury automobiles and the Twelve was, without question, the grandest expression of luxury in the Packard model hierarchy. New styling gave the car a restrained, streamlined appearance, and the V-12 was stroked to 473-cubic inches, gaining new aluminum cylinder heads while conservatively rated at 175 horsepower. Twelves continued to be quality checked by the factory and then given a 250-mile run on the Packard test track at nearby Utica, driven by Col. Jesse Vincent’s brother Charles before delivery. In total, only 788 V-12s were produced for 1935.

Carrying factory body designation number 821, the Twelve Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton had a base price of $4,290 before options, which was quite a heady sum in 1935. This car was originally delivered to Lake Forest, Illinois. David Dangler, of Lake Forest, a V.P. in the Trust Department of Northern Trust Bank, purchased the car in the early-1950s from an estate, possibly that of the original owner. Dangler is believed to have sold the car to Jay Gross, a lawyer in the small town of Princeton, Illinois and owner of the Princeton Auto Museum. Walter Cunny bought the car from Gross, and it was during his ownership that the car was given a frame-up restoration over a period of five years. Fuller Bros. Restorations Co. in Clinton, Iowa did the restoration, including the addition of the side-mounted spares. It was awarded 99.25 points at the 21st Classic Concours in Indiana in 1977 and 100 points at the 1979 Indiana Grand Classic. Its next owner was Dr. Gerald Greenfield, of Federal Way, Washington, who purchased it around 1996. The current owner acquired 821-202 in trade for his Packard Darrin in October of 1998.

An older restoration, it presents well with good details, including its proper canvas side curtains. Painted maroon over tan hides, this is thought to be one of three remaining of four produced for 1935. Photos of the car appear on page 37 of the February 1995 issue of Collectible Automobile, as well as the March–April 1980 issue of The Dashboard, the newsletter of the Greater Illinois Region of the CCCA. A remarkable automobile with known provenance, it will undoubtedly make a splash today and most certainly will be a star at CCCA, PAC, or AACA events anywhere it might appear.