Seven 1930s Packard Twelves Are Coming To The London Concours Of Elegance

Seven of the world’s finest 1930s Packard Twelves will be coming to the Concours of Elegance in London from the 2nd to the 4th of September 2022.

One of the world’s most innovative and luxurious car manufacturers in automotive history is being celebrated as part of the near 1,000 vehicle event at Hampton Court Palace.

The Concours of Elegance has become famous for assembling some of the rarest cars for the displays and this year is no exception with the JBS Collection. Owned by a prominent American collector, the Magnificent Seven as they are known, have been subject to a 100 point concours restoration by specialists LaVine Restorations.

This is the first time that these have ever been displayed outside of America and this probably represents the chance of a lifetime to see them, especially in the UK.

1936 Packard Twelve All Weather Cabriolet

This Packard Twelve is very special, a black 1936 Packard Twelve All Weather Cabriolet, which has spent time as a Hollywood car.

It was once owned by Charlie Chaplin through Charlie Chaplin Studios. in addition to that it has featured in ‘The Godfather’, and ‘The Betsy’, and has appeared in ‘Remington Steele’ with Pierce Brosnan.

There are only two of this particular version in the world too. This car is also a LeBaron and a 1407, which was a limited edition, special order. The 1047 had an upgraded 7.8 litre 175 hp V12 engine.

1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan by Dietrich Profile -JBS

On display will be this special 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan, which was originally commissioned by and adventuring American heiress, Louise Arner Boyd. the custom Dietrich travelled with Ms Boyd across the world and on one famous exploration tour of Poland in the mid-1930s.

Recently this model has won awards at The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s.

1934 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster

This stunning Packard Blue 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster is an Eleventh Series car and one of the most sought-after of all the Packard Coupe Roadsters.

1934 was the first year of the Eleventh Series cars and is considered to be the most prestigious year of all the Packard Twelves. This car has the 7.3 litre, 160 bhp V12 with a three-speed Selective Synchromesh Manual Transmission.

1938 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster

The 1938 Twelve Coupe Roadster is one of the last Twelves ever made. This convertible coupe represents the beginning of a new design with its more upright radiator, higher front fenders that wrapped around the side-mounted spare wheels, and a Dietrich inspired V-shaped windshield.

This car is the 24th of 32, 1607 Twelve Convertible, Coupes that Packard made in 1938. It is also thought to be one of only eight of this model still in existence and is finished in a nice shade of Columbian Beige.

The other three cars consist of one of two of the five ever made 1933 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadsters in Gun Metal Gray. It was the first model and year of the Packard Twelve which was the successor to the Packard Twin Six. It features the 7.3 litre 160 hp V12 engine and was the only year to feature the foldout window design.

This particular Packard has a large trophy cabinet having won three recent awards, at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s.

There is an Eleventh Series 1934 Packard Twelve Formal Sedan in brown. The Sedan came with rather elegant ‘suicide’ doors, with the same V12 engine and running gear as the Coupe cars, but with additional seating for more passengers.

Finally, there is a 1934 Packard Twelve Victoria. This car features a LeBaron body and is known to be the only car with a Dietrich custom interior in a Victoria. It was also the first Packard model that had a radio as optional equipment, which this Victoria has installed. Only offered for three years, the 1934 model is the most sought after with less than ten Packard 1107 Convertible Victorias still in existence.

See the Concours Of Elegance website for further information.

Thanks to the Concours of Elegance for the images,

Simon

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