The Packard Twelve of 1934 is one of the cars that has a high place in the automobile world. James Ward Packard founded the company with two partners in 1899, and Packard Motor Car Company built the Packard luxury automobile marque. The company built automobiles from 1899 until 1958. By the 1920s, Packard was exporting most cars in its sector, and the company was outselling every other brand. The Twelve Coupe of 1934 was a one-of-a-kind vehicle and had a lot of features that were considered revolutionary at the time. The company took great care to see to it that the final product was a success.
The 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe was a unique automobile from the Packard Motor Car Company. James Ward Packard founded the company with two partners in 1899, and it rose to fame within two decades. The 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe was termed a revolutionary vehicle in its time.
Its Engine And Performance
Packard equipped the Twelve Coupe of 1934 with a 67 degree Cast Iron V12 engine with a modified L-Head. It had two horizontal valves per cylinder with zero lash valve silencers. A front longitudinal position came with natural aspiration and a Downdraft Stromberg EE-3 carburetor that fed the fuel. Further, the car had 345 cu in displacement with a 3.43 in the bore, a 4 in stroke, and a 6.0:1 compression. The 1934 Twelve Coupe produced 160 HP at 3,200 RPM and had a torque of 322 lb-ft at 1400 RPM. There was a 3-speed Synchromesh transmission with an optional freewheeling clutch.
The car was rear-wheel-drive with Hotchkiss Final Drive. Packard offered cable-operated adjustable Bendix drum brakes in the front and rear that came with Bragg-Kliesrath vacuum assist. The front suspension possessed a solid axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf springs, while the rear had a live axle suspension.
The Sleek Design Of The Packard Twelve
The Twelve Coupe had an exquisite design. It was an in-house offering from Packard's stylists. Two enclosed spares were topped by a rearview mirror each, which sat behind full fenders. The four whitewall-wrapped wheels had gleaming chrome spokes. Packard's signature tombstone grille featured intricate thermostatically controlled chrome shutters flanked by twin horns and topped by the legendary 'Goddess Of Speed' mascot finished in shining chrome. The interior had a two or four-seater coupe design which could be converted into an open bodywork.
The Twelve had a steel body over press steel ladder-type frame with X center brace, wire or wood wheels, a Gemmer Worm & Roller steering, and a curb weight of 5,500lbs. The wheelbase was 142 in, and overall, it was considered a superior design at the time.
The Feel Of Luxury
Packard offered charming and extremely comfortable blue wool broadcloth and buttons on the door panels and seats that allowed the passengers to be whisked down the road in extreme comfort. Further, the material covered the B and C pillars and the interior's headliner. Lacquered and polished burls on the doors at the upper rails, and the dash gives the feel of luxury. The dash featured a chromed central instrument panel and gorgeous original gauges. The Packard badge showed up in the dash and on the original baseline pinstriped steering wheel center. The car came with a heater and a navy blue carpet below.
The car gave an experience of luxury that it ran like a dream, idled smoothly, and had excellent acceleration. The transmission allowed being shifted through the gears simply, allowing the Twelve to stop, start, and run down the road with the best of its competitors.
The Value Of A Twelve Coupe
A Packard Twelve Coupe of 1934 holds great value as a collectible. Automobile enthusiasts are constantly at bidding wars to get their hands on a 1934 Packard Twelve, and the bids have gone up to $2.2 million. The iconic car had great value in its days of production, and the prices at the time started from $3,820 and went beyond $7,700 as per the user customizations. The car was produced in an era with little to no income taxes, and this created great wealth and allowed the higher class to enjoy such magnificent automobiles.
The 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe was the ultimate symbol of luxury back in the day. The elegant features and superior design were ahead of their time. The car gained popularity among present-day collectors, engaging them in bidding wars to gain possession of one. The Packard ownership symbolized a higher social status back in the day. As there were only a limited number of people who could afford such luxury at the time, the number of vehicles produced was also limited. The supreme comfort and features gained popularity among car enthusiasts leading them to hunt down and restore the magnificent Packards to date.