Beschreibung:

1936 PACKARD V12 MODEL 1407 DUAL COWL PHAETON Chassis No. 921.209 Engine No. 904276 Cream-Yellow with tan leather interior and red wheels Engine: modified L-head V12, 473.3 ci., 175hp at 3,200rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Suspension: front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: vacuum assisted hydraulic drums all around. Left hand drive. The early 1930s proved to be difficult times for the Packard Motor Car Company. With diminished sales, a smaller buying pool and a significantly depressed American economy, true innovation and change were needed to re-secure the Packard name as the worldwide leader in quality automobiles. In early 1932, Packard guru, Alvin Macauley, named his son Edward as head of the newly created Packard styling division. Within the month, Edward Macauley brought in Alexis de Sakhnoffsky as consulting art director to the company in order to reshape the cars without sacrificing the prestigious design associated with the Packard name. In 1935 Packard made a bold move by opting to enter a new market with the introduction of two separate model lines. The intent was to create a union between the grand styling of the big and glorious V12s and the new smaller Packard Junior fourteenth series. These Junior series cars, referred to by skeptics as 'Packettes', were known as 120s. The smaller 120s were introduced concurrently with the larger Seniors and the results were outstanding. The introduction of both series' helped boost overall Packard sales immeasureably, placing them once again in close contention with Cadillac as one of the leading American car companies. Over the course of the next year, Packard used the Junior series to generate a new clientele who aspired to one day own Packard Senior series cars. Despite all of the marketing ploys used to advertise the new 1936 cars, mechanically very little had changed from the 1935 model lines. The 1936 fourteenth series cars featured a Delco-Remy ignition system with an octane selector clutch bearing that was permanently lubricated. Physically the trademark radiator was sloped another five degrees, while the front fenders were modified accordingly and chrome strips were added to the headlights. Overall, the 1936 cars were wonderfully styled and, though they closely resembled the 1935 series cars, the low production run of the V12s made them even more desirable...and this remains true today. The Packard V12 on offer here, showing an original delivery destination of White Plains, New York in 1936, was purchased by William Lassiter in unrestored condition in the late 1980s from the McGowan brothers. Upon receipt of the car, Mr. Lassiter and Jack Dietz undertook a full in-house restoration of the V12. The Packard, which was originally finished in green, was completely dismantled and stripped to bare metal, at which point the car was resprayed in the attractive color scheme of cream-yellow with red highlighting. All brightwork appears to be in excellent condition and is expertly refinished. The interior was completely refitted with tan leather and new light tan carpeting which appears to be in excellent condition. During the restoration, Mr. Dietz and Mr. Lassiter opted to fit a rear folding cowl and windshield to the Packard, which was originally delivered as a standard phaeton. The addition of the dual cowl and double raked windshields with side windscreens was beautifully executed and helps to complete the open top touring appeal of the big V12. The Packard is equipped with a myriad of options including the spare tire covers, whitewall tires, sidemount rearview mirrors and a C.M. Hall spotlight. The convertible top is very well finished and comes complete with a matching tan top boot. It is equipped with the thermostat controlled louvers in addition to a modern fuel pump for enhanced mechanical performance. In 1993 Mr. Lassiter's V12 was awarded a National First Prize (#19C0604) from the Antique Automobile Club of America as well as a First Place and 100 point