Description
This car is Lot 186 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris Sale on 6 February, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Tuesday 4 February from 08:00 until 18:00 and Wednesday 5 February from 9 AM - 6 PM, at The Grand Palais Historique, Paris.
Lot 186
1936 Packard Twelve 14th Series Convertible
Registration no.
Chassis no. 14 TH/ 919263
The last word in motoring luxury in its day
Professionally restored in 1996/ 1997 during the previous ownership
Louis Vuitton Classic class winner in 1997
Present ownership since 2004
Engine requires attention (see text)
British registration document
Introduced for 1932, the new V12-engined Packard revived an engine layout and name - 'Twin Six' - which had served the company well in times past, though from '33 to the end of production in 1939 the model would be known simply as the 'Twelve'. Originally conceived as a front-wheel-drive car, the Twelve entered production with a conventional driveline layout, the 142/ 147"-wheelbase chassis featuring synchromesh transmission and servo-assisted mechanical brakes. Ten body styles were available on the shorter chassis and eleven on the longer, at prices ranging from $3, 650 to $7, 950. With a claimed maximum power output of 160bhp, even the largest of these supremely well-appointed cars was capable of speeds approaching 100mph.
By 1939 the Twelve had undergone considerable development in line with the improvements made to the eight-cylinder Packards, gaining independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes for 1937, the model's best sales year. The V12 engine had been enlarged from 445. 5ci (7. 3 litres) to 473. 3 (7. 8 litres) for 1935 and now produced 175bhp at 3, 200rpm. From its peak of 1, 300 cars sold in '37, Twelve production plunged to just 446 units in the 1939 model year. By the time the 1940 line-up was announced the Senior range - of ever decreasing importance since the arrival of the Junior Packard - consisted of eight-cylinder cars only, and the Twelve - considered by many enthusiasts to be the all-time great Packard - was no more.
This exceptional Packard Twelve was acquired by the previous owner in the mid-1990s. Finding the car's then deep blue livery somewhat sombre, he decided to have the colour scheme changed to the present cream with matching leather interior and brown convertible hood. To effect the change, the Packard was despatched to Jim Denne of West Hoathly Garage, East Sussex, UK. During preparation the body was found to require attention, which led to a body-off, 'last-nut-and-bolt' cosmetic and mechanical restoration. More than a year later, and after over £86, 000 had been spent, the car was finished and returned to the road.
Following the rebuild's completion, the Packard was used for numerous concours events including the prestigious Louis Vuitton Classic at Bagatelle in 1997, where it won its class, and at Villa d'Este in Italy in 2000. The car continued to be maintained regardless of expense and was rallied, toured and enjoyed. Our vendor purchased the Packard at a UK auction in December 2004.
Accompanying documentation consists of a maintenance record for the period 2010 to 2023; West Hoathly Garage's bills and restoration photographs; an old UK V5C Registration Certificate; and a copy of the 2004 auction catalogue description.
It should be noted that there is an engineer's report on file dated November 2024 detailing an engine failure. This report states that it is very important not to start the engine as there are two broken crankshaft bearings. If the engine is started it could cause a more serious breakdown than the present one. Accordingly, the car is sold strictly as viewed, its mechanical condition being unknown.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5. 5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
