Chassis No. 901905

Vehicle No. 747-19

Engine No. 902534

Steering Box No. 901923

In the early 1930s, as luxury automakers like Cadillac, Marmon, and Lincoln revived multi-cylinder engines, Packard reintroduced its V12 engine in 1932. Initially known as the "Twin Six," it was later rebranded simply as "The Twelve." The Twelve featured a 445.5 cubic-inch V12 engine designed by C.W. van Ranst, producing 160 horsepower and a robust 322 lb-ft of torque. Its 67-degree V configuration, nearly horizontal valve stems, roller rockers, and hydraulically adjusted eccentrics provided exceptional smoothness and quiet operation that allowed for such a silent ride that dealers claimed a watch could be heard ticking while at speed.

For 1934, the Packard Twelve received subtle styling updates, including curving front fenders, wider bumpers, and integrated trunks. Mechanical improvements also included enhanced oil circulation and the addition of an oil filter, further improving performance and reliability, with only 960 Packard Twelves built that year. These features, along with its refined luxury, made the Packard Twelve a symbol of American automotive excellence during the era.

Sold new at Thompson Motor Car Company of Hollywood, California on 2 December 1933, this 1934 Packard Twelve 1108 Convertible Victoria is reported to have been originally purchased by the famed actor Cesar Romero. Opting for the top of the line in luxury from Packard, this Convertible Victoria rides atop the 147 inch long-wheelbase 1108 series chassis. Following Romero's ownership, the car is believed to have been acquired by Bill Stern. Like Romero, Stern was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a result of being the sportscaster for the first-ever televised baseball game in 1939.

Following World War II, the car was regularly used at Stanford University during football pep rallies on the stadium track. From the university, the car was purchased by San Francisco police officer Marvin Zukor prior to him being drafted into the Korean War. Once his military service was completed, Zukor, a founder of the Northern California Region of the Classic Car Club of America, entered the car in the 1955 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Following refinishing the bodywork, the car was driven to the show, earning a second-in-class award.

After enjoying the car for more than five decades, Zukor tasked Craig Lynch of Cooks Upholstery and Classic Restoration in Redwood City, California, to completely restore his beloved Packard. Stripped to a bare frame, every aspect of the car was scrutinized to be replaced with correct parts where possible or completely overhauled. No system was left untouched, with all the mechanical, trim, interior, and coachwork revitalized to be as close to what it would have been when it was originally completed in late 1933.

Once the restoration was completed, the car was first shown at the 2007 Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance, where it earned the Meguiar's Award for best exterior paint finish. Following this showing, it was once again invited back to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2008, where it earned a class award. Zukor earned another class award 53 years later! From there, the car was shown at the inaugural Marin Sonoma Concours in 2009, earning a best-in-class award.

After nearly six decades, the Zukors offered their beloved Packard for sale, which was purchased by the Stephens family in 2011. Due to the careful storage, the car still presents beautifully today. The richly finished is evident throughout the car, from the deep black paint accented by red pinstripes, chrome spoked wire wheels with red rims with BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewalls to the red accents on the convertible top. Inside, the rich wood-grained dash houses an optional in-dash radio, first available in the 1934 model year. As a de luxe equipped car, it showcases not one, but two spare wheels with covers mounted individually on the front fenders. Its most recent showing was at the 2020 Ironstone Concours d'Elegance, earning another best-in-class victory. Now, this spectacular 1934 Packard Twelve 1108 Convertible Victoria is ready to be enjoyed and shown with minimal effort by Packard enthusiasts wherever it goes.