1938 Packard Model 1607

1 of a mere 11 Victoria V-12s built in 1938
Exquisitely designed by Raymond Dietrich
Recipient of a complete body-off-the-frame restoration
CCCA National First Place winner and Packard Circle of Champions participant
Well equipped with various accessories and options throughout

As the decades wore on since James Ward Packard established his automobile company in 1902, it became common to find Packards fine motorcars under the marquee lights of the theater or in the lot of the local country club. Packards cars were always exclusive to the higher echelons of society, and, for 1938, the company offered a fine line of V-12 powered cars. One of those was body style number 1607, a beautiful Victoria with V-12 power. The 1607 was Packards upper end car within the series and exceeded a hefty $5,000 price tag.

The 1607 Victoria offered here speaks for itself in terms of its grand appearance. Finished in attention grabbing red, its impressive size, beautiful styling, and complete restoration make for a stunning package. Set apart from its fellow Packards, this example is 1 of a mere 11 Victoria V-12s to be designed by the legend himself, Raymond Dietrich and built for the 1938 model year. This Packard was delivered new to well-known Los Angeles, California Packard dealer Earl C. Anthony on July 5, 1938. As an upper-class car, this Victoria is fitted with several beauty options that are befitting of such a grand car. At the front, a set of Trippe safety lights complement its massive grille while the elegant Packard Pelican rides atop. It also carries dual fender lights along with dual side-mounted spare tires encased in hard shell covers with Packard script mirrors on top. An Appleton spotlight is a period-correct accessory of the day, and the rear features a folding luggage rack for touring.

The interior is upholstered in beautiful red leather and fitted with deep red carpeting to match Packards elegantly styled dashboard that carries clock-styled gauges, dual glove boxes, and banjo-style steering wheel. This CCCA Full Classic offers plenty of power, as the Packard signature, whisper quiet 424-cubic-inch V-12 engine is well dialed and produces a smooth 175 horsepower. Driving is further enhanced thanks to the three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel power-assisted brakes.

In 2002, this rare Packard underwent a body-off-the-frame restoration and has been well maintained since. Celebrating and admiring its restoration, this Packard Twelve achieved a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) National First Place award badge and was awarded and displayed in the prestigious Packard Circle of Champions.

Combining one-year-only rarity, distinguished Raymond Dietrich coachwork, and proven show credentials, this 1 of just 11 built 1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Convertible Victoria is equally at home on the show field, on CCCA CARavan tours, or simply being admired in ones collection.