Chassis No. 1027-245

Engine No. 905829

Packard emerged as a leader in the luxury car market during the 1930s by masterfully blending power and elegance, reaching its zenith in 1937 with the Fifteenth Series Twelves. This period, known as the Classic Era, saw Packard thrive despite the Great Depression, thanks to its opulent interiors, sophisticated styling, and, most notably, the renowned smoothness of its straight-eight and V12 engines. The 1937 Fifteenth Series Packards, especially twelve-cylinder models, equipped with innovations like the "Safe-T-Flex" independent front suspension for enhanced stability and vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes, continue to represent the ultimate evolution of Packard's pre-war design and engineering among enthusiasts.

These advancements, combined with subtly modernized yet conservatively elegant coachwork, resulted in arguably the finest of all Classic Era automobiles. In particular, the Convertible Victoria, a two-door, four-seat all-weather convertible, showcased the Fifteenth Series' design better than any other model with its smoothly raked radiator shell, beautifully rounded fenders, and tapered headlights. These striking elements and a lofty starting price of $4,490 when new have made the surviving Convertible Victorias among the rarest and most highly coveted examples, remaining closely held in private collections and rarely becoming available for sale.

According to Packard factory records, of the 1,300 Fifteenth Series cars produced for 1937, merely 45 were factory-equipped with the graceful Convertible Victoria coachwork seen here. Prior to joining the current owner's stable, this particular Classic Era Packard was the subject of an exquisite concours-level, multi-year restoration by noted restorer Jim Lowrey of Lowrey's Auto Restoration in Tilton, New Hampshire circa 2015-2020. The restoration, which was personally overseen by Lowrey from start to finish, saw the highly original Packard renewed to an exceptional standard inside and out. Its finish of rich burgundy with gold pinstriping is complemented by a tan canvas soft with matching burgundy piping. The elegant color combination is carried inside with sumptuous two-tone burgundy leather and tan broadcloth upholstery trimming the door panels and deeply cushioned bench seats, completed to an exacting standard. Handsome wood-grain trim frames the A-pillars and the jewel-like dash which contains the instruments, along with a clock and a rare back-lit radio unit. In addition to its attractive livery, this Packard wears numerous desirable accessories including dual side-mounted spare tires with matching burgundy hard covers, exterior sideview mirrors, Packard's signature Cormorant radiator mascot, and a fold-out rear luggage rack.

Following its completion, the Packard was entrusted to the marque specialists at Stone Barn Restorations in Vienna, New Jersey for a thorough inspection and further post-restoration sorting in 2020. With the help of prominent Packard collector Dave Kane, chassis number 1027-245 was subsequently acquired by the late Judge Joseph Cassini III of New Jersey with the intention of showing it at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Packard Twelve passed to the current owner in 2023 – a highly regarded Southern California-based collection of spectacular American Classics housing some of the world's finest Duesenbergs and Packards. Under current ownership, the Packard once again visited Stone Barn Restorations in early 2024.

Beautifully restored and exceptionally well prepared in recent years, this Convertible Victoria represents one of the rarest and most desired masterpieces of the Classic Era. Also noted by Dave Kane to retain its original engine, chassis, and supremely rare original Convertible Victoria coachwork, this outstanding Fifteenth Series Packard is ready to be shown on the world's most prestigious concours fields and is sure to impress at its inaugural outing.