Engine - 473 cubic-inch L-head V12
Transmission - 3-speed manual
Horsepower - 175 at 3,200 rpm
Production - 1,300 total Twelves for 1937

“Ask the Man Who Owns One”

The Packard Twelve was a meticulously designed luxury car celebrated for its serene and satisfying driving feel. Unveiled in 1935, the Twelfth Series showcased sleek aesthetics that seamlessly combined the car’s body, hood, fenders, and running boards into a harmonious overall design. The addition of mechanical improvements resulted in the substantial Twelve, offering a surprisingly pleasurable driving experience despite its heft. This development continued for 1937 with the introduction of the Fifteenth Series, which featured upgrades such as independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, steel wheels, and the removal of the central chassis lubrication system. In addition, the supremely quiet and smooth-running V12 was enlarged to 473 cubic-inches. Like its predecessors, the vehicle maintained a simple three-speed manual transmission with synchromesh.

The Fifteenth series offered three different models based on varying wheelbase lengths. Even in the face of economic hardship as a result of The Great Depression, Packard managed to produce 1,300 units of Fifteenth Series Twelves for the 1937 model year. By this time, half of Packard’s employees were dedicated to manufacturing exclusive “senior” models like this 1937 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster. The other half focused on producing 118,000 mid-market “junior” models. Due to the higher profitability of these middle-priced models, Packard’s management shifted their focus to that market segment and eventually halted production of the opulent Packard Twelve after 1939.