Practically since its 1899 founding, Packard’s proven quality, engineering, and driving dynamics placed them among the best-built automobiles ever to be offered to the public. Coming out of the 1920s, Packard’s reputation for excellence with their luxury car offerings put them on par or ahead of anything produced in Detroit. Beginning in 1932, and at considerable extra cost, the V-windshield Individual Custom line was available to customers who desired something more, and the creations by Dietrich Inc. in this period are simply beyond compare.

The Eleventh Series cars of 1934 are widely considered by knowledgeable collectors as the pinnacle of Packard design, with their dramatic skirted fenders, upright radiator shells, elegant proportions, and coachwork details. Nowhere are these design elements more at home than on the Individual Custom cars, accentuated with the blending of the radically extended hood panels which flowed seamlessly into the cowl and scuttle. For decades, the stylists at Packard had delivered modern, relevant, and dignified designs, befitting the relatively high price point of the company’s cars, but the Individual Custom cars were on an altogether different plane. The curves and volumes of the coachwork exude sophistication, and the details, such as the deeply swept line from the interior door tops across the cowl above the instrument panel, were unmatched by anything offered by the Big Three across town.

The known history of this Dietrich 1108 Individual Custom Convertible Sedan, Packard Vehicle no. 1108-26, begins with the ownership of collector Felix Carpenter of Florida, who had held it in storage since at least the 1970s. In the 1990s, the noted Northeast-based collector of significant classics, Arthur Smith, purchased the Packard from the estate of Mr. Carpenter, his longtime acquaintance. Mr. Smith found the car to be in remarkable condition for a barn-find automobile and returned it to running status for the first time in many years.

In about 2008, the Convertible Sedan was acquired from Mr. Smith by Paul Andrews of Texas for his quickly evolving world-class collection. At once, the Convertible Sedan was sent to Mr. Andrews’ friend, Steve Babinsky of Automotive Restorations Inc. in Lebanon, New Jersey, for a complete restoration to concours-winning standards. During disassembly, it was noted that many of the components still showed a deep auburn paint color – including the chassis frame, springs, axles, and brake backing plates – which is believed to have been this Packard’s original color, and was matched for the restoration. Babinsky also noted that the fender welting appeared to be original, suggesting the fenders had never been separated from the coachwork, and factory numbers were found stamped in hidden areas of the car.

The Packard’s magnificent V-12 engine was expertly rebuilt and refinished during the restoration. The rebuild included installing new pistons and valve seats, resurfacing the cylinder heads, and renewing ancillary components. Working from an identical Dietrich-bodied Packard, portions of the wooden substructure were replaced and the door glass was faithfully reproduced for 1108-26. Significantly, the sheet metal was intact and utilized in the restoration.

The divided interior is trimmed in cream/tan leather with matching carpets in both compartments, and the wood door caps and dashboard pull the Packard’s sublime color palette together with stunning effect. As is typical of a Babinsky restoration, the underside of this Packard was finished to the same quality standard as the rest of the car and remains a sight to behold. Double-sided whitewall tires, a Goddess of Speed radiator mascot, and the absence of the often-seen articulated driving lamps enhance the smart presentation.

Making its post-restoration debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 2010, this rare Packard, unseen in public for decades, was a truly stunning and sparkling sight, and deservedly earned First in Class honors. Following further concours accolades, including a CCCA Senior Award, 1108-26 joined the esteemed collection of the Honorable Joseph Cassini in 2015. Around this time, the car was loaned to the feature motion picture production of the 2016 organized crime thriller Live by Night, which was directed by and starred Ben Affleck. The film was set in the Art Deco era and marked a rare sighting of a truly significant, authentic classic on the modern big screen. More recently, in the hands of the consignor, the Convertible Sedan has been kept in top cosmetic condition by seasoned professionals and driven sparingly for exercise as well as the occasional outing, but still shows just over 200 miles on its odometer, likely its total since restoration.

One of the most important, elegant, and exclusive American offerings of the Classic Era, this magnificent V-windshield Individual Custom Convertible Sedan is a natural centerpiece for any quality- and rarity-focused collection, standing apart from standard-bodied Packards in style, presence, and exclusivity. By all measures, this is an opportunity to be seized.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its frame number.