PROVENANCE
Bill Wolfsberger, California (acquired circa 1961)
Don Sears, Tiburon, California (acquired from the above in 2006)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

EXHIBITED
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, Pebble Beach, California, August 2014 (Third in Class)
Ironstone Concours d’Elegance, Murphys, California, September 2014 (Best of Show)
Niello Concours at Serrano, El Dorado Hills, California, October 2014 (First in Class)
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, La Jolla, California, April 2015 (First in Class)
San Luis Obispo Concours, San Luis Obispo, California, May 2015 (First in Class)
Forest Grove Concours d’Elegance, Forest Grove, Oregon, July 2015 (Best of Show)
Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance, Hillsborough, California, July 2016 (First in Class)
Ferndale Concours on Main, Ferndale, California, September 2016 (Best of Show)
Alameda Point Concours d’Elegance, Alameda, California, June 2017 (First in Class)

THIS CAR
Many collectors and classic car enthusiasts consider the 1934 Packard, referred to by the manufacturer as the Eleventh Series, to be one of the very best years for Packard design. This was the final year that traditional fenders were utilized, gracefully skirted to evoke sophistication and elegance. The chrome-plated headlamp housings with attractive V-profile lenses would also be employed for the last time, marking an end to an era. Although visually displaying traditional charm, it was mechanically advanced for the day; 1934 Packards offered an adjustable ride-control suspension and Bijur automatic lubrication that make for an amazingly smooth drive.

Among the rarest and most desirable Packards on this chassis is the Dual Cowl Phaeton. A phaeton is sporting by design, and the dual cowl even more so. The chrome wire wheels, dual side-mount spares, long hood, and massive rolled-end bumpers, along with the classic Packard radiator shell topped with the “goddess of speed” mascot, continue to make the Phaeton instantly recognizable as a car of importance and prestige.

The known history of this splendid example dates to the early 1960s, when it was part of Southern California collector Bill Wolfsberger’s stable of classic cars. Mr. Wolfsberger kept the car until his passing, and noted Packard expert, restorer, and collector Don Sears acquired the Phaeton from the collector’s estate in 2006. Mr. Sears reports the car was in solid original condition when found, still in running order, with its metal and wood body components remaining in excellent shape. Mr. Sears embarked on a full frame-off, no-expense-spared restoration at his shop. His extensive experience gained through years of restoring show-winning Packards is evident throughout the car, with attention to detail paid to even the smallest of items to ensure correctness and quality. The tastefully soft, elegant beige color scheme is complemented by a sumptuous sage green leather interior.

This Phaeton’s beauty is more than skin deep. Mr. Sears intended to tour the car after showing it, so the powerful 145 hp straight-eight was rebuilt to the highest standards, maximizing driveability and reliability.

In late 2013, Mr. Sears sold this Packard to its current owner, who presented it for the first time at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Since then, the Packard has been shown at many West Coast concours and has amassed an impressive show history that includes capturing multiple First in Class wins and Best of Show trophies, a testament to the exceptional quality of this fine classic.