1937 Packard Twelve

This 1937 Packard Twelve Model 1507-1039 Coupe-Roadster is an absolutely gorgeous V-12 Packard with impressive CCCA touring history. 1937 was an important year for Packard, the American luxury automaker who rose to prominence building some of the finest automobiles on US roads for decades. Like all American automobile manufacturers in the early 30s, Packard suffered significantly from the poor economic conditions and effects of the Great Depression. However, unlike virtually all of its luxury car manufacturer contemporaries, such as Marmon, Stutz, Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg, Peerless, and Pierce-Arrow, all of whom went bankrupt, Packard was able to survive and by 1937 Packard was thriving. Packards ability to persevere through the Great Depression was due in large part to Packards entry into the intermediate-priced car market. While Packard experienced impressive success selling its more affordably-priced Packard 120, the luxury automaker never completely abandoned its Senior Packard lines. In September 1936, the Fifteenth Series Packard Twelve models were introduced alongside the lower-level Super Eight models, however, the Packard Eight was gone. The 1937 Packards most important and notable improvements were the mechanical upgrades. Up front, Packard swapped its single front axle for its new Safe-T-Flex independent front suspension that delivered a much smoother ride cruising down the road. In addition, Packard upgraded the braking system to a 4-wheel hydraulic setup, replacing the antiquated mechanical brakes that adorned Packards previous generations. In addition, Packard modernized the doors on its Twelve models now outfitted with front hinges which was not only forward-looking but also much safer, compared to the suicide-style doors found on the earlier Packards. With the introduction of the 6 cylinder Packard 115 and the sales success of the more established 120, Packard sold the most cars in its history. Nonetheless, Packard produced a mere 1,300 Twelves, of which, included a believed 69 Model 1039 Coupe-Roadsters, which makes this particular vehicle a particularly rare automobile. The 1937 Packard Twelves beauty and rarity means that its recognized by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full Classic meaning that it qualifies to participate in CCCA events and CARavans. In addition, this particular Coupe Roadster comes to us from a prominent collector of Full Classics who is believed to have been the steward of this car for 40 years and won the CCCA William F. Crossett Award in this car on its debut CARavan. Powering this 37 Packard Twelve is a 473.3 Cubic Inch V-12 engine fed by a Stromberg single 2 barrel carburetor that was said to have created 175 horsepower when new. The 473 V12 is mated to a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted using a floor mounted shifter. Braking is supplied to all four wheels via vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes which makes bringing this 5,000+ pound Coupe Roadster to a complete stop much easier. This Fifteenth Series Packard is well appointed with options further elevating this particular roadster above many others. With dual side-mounted spare tires and matching side-mount covers, this 1937 Packard 12 has truly luxurious curb appeal. Moreover, each side-mount cover is topped by a chrome mirror which makes squeezing into a tight spot at the local car show or drive in much easier. The rear mounted luggage rack is another welcome addition so that you can easily carry all of your belongings with you on an overnight trip or cruise. The front bumper is also appointed with the optional bumper guards further elevating the exterior appearance of this impressive automobile. Golf club access doors are also incorporated into both sides of the Coupe Roadster which was a neat novelty of many Pre-War classics and makes this Senior Packard a car that you could take to the country club for a round on the links. Riding on a set of wide whitewall bias-ply tires mounted on wheel discs accented by Packard Twelve wheelcovers, this Full Classic has a stunning look whether parked at the car show or cruising down the road. The exterior has been refinished in a beautiful Copper Mist hue and was a tasteful update to this nearly 90 year old convertible. The beige cloth convertible top is manual operated and is in fantastic condition as well. The chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this 1937 Packard Twelve is in wonderful condition and complete the exceptional exterior look of this car. The interior of this 1937 Packard Model 1039 Roadster is absolutely stunning! The front bench seat and rear rumble seat have been reupholstered in elegant Walnut Brown leather. The matching upholstered door panels with armrests and burl woodgrain accents, burl woodgrain dash, and full-size banjo-style steering wheel are in outstanding condition as well and appear to be in their stock coniguration. This 37 Packard Twelve Roadster is outfitted with full instrumentation including a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, and fuel gauge. Also incorporated into the instrument cluster is a clock and optional AM radio. Likewise, an optional heater is mounted neatly under the dash as well. The dash is completed with a pair of locking gloveboxes, starter button, headlight controls, throttle controls, and a cigar lighter. Whether youre adding to an existing collection of CCCA Full Classic or you are buying your first classic car, this 1937 Packard Twelve Model 1507-1039 Coupe-Roadster would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!