The Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Series Packards of 1932 to 1934 are especially revered among classic car enthusiasts for their elegant designs featuring the new V-shaped vertical radiator shell, flowing fender lines, and a wide selection of coachwork in the most popular body styles. Coupled with Packard’s proven quality, engineering, and driving dynamics, these were among the best-built automobiles ever to be offered to the public at the time. At considerable extra cost, the Individual Custom line was available to customers who desired something more, and the creations by Dietrich Inc. in this period are simply beyond compare.

Instantly discernable by their raked, V-shaped, dual-pane windscreens, the Dietrich bodies were a marvel of design and execution. The soft curves of the coach-lines, emphasized by the elegant sweep from the doors across the cowl, display Dietrich’s mastery of design. Few were built, and far fewer survive today.

The rare Model 1108 Individual Custom Convertible Sedan by Dietrich offered here is an Eleventh Series model from 1934, often referred to as the ultimate expression of the Twelve’s design. Thought to be one of as few as 12 known to exist, it was purchased by John O. Bohmer in August 1963, fulfilling a dream of owning a Dietrich Packard. The car was summed up by him as “…one of my favorite keepers,” in his book, A Man and His Cars: The Ultimate “Barn Find” Collector.

When Mr. Bohmer first spotted this special car in a Minneapolis garage, it was owned by a dentist residing in Alaska who intended to eventually return to Minneapolis and have the vehicle restored. Following several determined attempts to reach the man by mail, Mr. Bohmer eventually learned that the owner agreed to have the car restored by a friend of Mr. Bohmer’s, in exchange for a one-half ownership interest in the Packard. While using the Twelve as a “daily driver,” Mr. Bohmer’s friend survived a road accident with it and subsequently purchased the damaged Packard from the insurance company, in turn selling it to Mr. Bohmer.

A restoration was planned while Mr. Bohmer searched for necessary parts, and the Packard was stored for the next decade. A 1934 Packard Twelve Sport Sedan was eventually located via a classified newspaper ad and purchased from Chicago as a parts donor in 1973. With most remaining items now on hand to complete the restoration, the Packard only required fabrication of a hood and left-rear door. The car was sent to Steve Gunder Restorations in Topeka, Kansas, as documented by numerous invoices on file. The interior upholstery was done by Nerstheimer Bros. Custom Trim of Topeka, using eight cowhides and Wilton wool carpet.

Mr. Bohmer was clearly thrilled with this project, which spanned from 1977 to 1982, with over $80,000 in detailed receipts accumulated. After restoration, the car was shown sparingly, including at the 1999 Packard Centennial Celebration in Warren, Ohio, and the 2013 edition of the 10,000 Lakes Concours d’Elegance held in Excelsior, Minnesota.

Handsomely presented, this 1934 Packard Twelve’s distinctive green on green color combination is wonderfully enhanced with a beige canvas convertible top, discreet yet effective brightwork, rich interior woodwork, green carpeting, and Packard’s signature, jewel-like dash insert mounting a full complement of useful instruments and an AM radio. The rear-passenger compartment offers a choice of formality or commonality with a roll-up division window and amenities include a pair of exquisitely crafted ashtrays with integral cigarette lighters. Other highlights include twin chrome horns, Packard’s signature Cormorant radiator mascot, twin side-mounted spares within body-color steel cases, and a rear luggage rack. Accompanying items include more than 100 pages of restoration, service, and parts receipts; correspondence dating from the 1960s; a copy of the 1963 Bill of Sale to Mr. Bohmer; an article on Raymond Dietrich; and of course, the relevant excerpts about this Packard Twelve from Mr. Bohmer’s own collection book.

Of all the great Packard motorcars built during the 1925–1948 years – recognized as the Classic Era by the Classic Car Club of America – the Eleventh Series models of 1934 rank firmly among the finest. The Individual Custom models by Dietrich add undeniable style and rarity to the technical sophistication that makes these Packards so capable on the open road. This mighty Twelve remains a fabulous choice for a wide array of classic touring events, where its power and the all-weather flexibility of its open coachwork will predictably make it a standout.