Beschreibung
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Hershey event, 10 - 11 October 2019. CCCA National Senior First Prize winnerReportedly owned by four caretakers from newRemarkably complete and original presentationRare custom-bodied Dietrich coachworkA beautifully presented example ready for exhibition or touring use Introduced in August 1933, the 1934 model-year Packards reflected a newfound optimism after the company recorded its best annual sales since the onset of the Depression. More than 55 different model configurations were available across three engine ranges: the Eight, the Super Eight, and the range-leading Twelve. The Twelve was offered in three different wheelbase lengths, and the flagship Model 1108 rode the longest of these at a massive 147 inches. The 1108 was offered in standard form with two types of factory coachwork, while a formal series of Dietrich-bodied custom cars featured seven different body styles, including the rakish low-roof four-passenger convertible Victoria. Nine hundred and sixty combined examples of all three Twelve models were produced through August 1934, suggesting that relatively few Dietrich custom cars were built; the convertible Victoria accounted for even fewer examples, of which only a handful are believed to exist. This impressively presented Packard claims overwhelming originality and ten years of fastidious care by the current owner, resulting in an exceptional example of the custom Dietrich-bodied Twelve. Vehicle no. 747-6525’s data plate reveals that the convertible Victoria was delivered in late March 1934. Though the Twelve’s interim history is currently unknown, by the early 1980s the car was owned by John Weekly, a collector who was reportedly just the second owner. During his ownership Mr. Weekly repainted the convertible Victoria in its current well-preserved finish. In 1983 Weekly sold the Twelve to Tenny Natkin, a respected enthusiast residing in the Chicago area who is well known in CCCA circles. Mr. Natkin conducted a sympathetic restoration from which the car continues to benefit, cosmetically addressing the top and carpets, while retaining the contemporary Packard expert Beaver to mechanically rebuild the transmission and rear end, among other measures. Following restoration, the owner drove the convertible Victoria on at least a dozen tours, and a badge that remains affixed to the exterior attests that the car was the recipient of a Premier Senior First Prize at a CCCA national competition. In 2009 the beautiful 1108 was sold by Mr. Natkin to the consignor, a collector based in Colorado who has continued to fastidiously maintain the concours-level refurbishment. Since his purchase the consignor has enjoyed the Packard on two touring events while consistently storing it in a climate-controlled garage, and he assures that the car continues to start and drive very well. Reported to be a matching-numbers example, this Packard displays an unusual degree of originality. Period photographs suggest the Twelve has remained intact without incident or significant alteration since at least 1938. The car is believed to feature an overwhelming majority of correct original or new original-stock components throughout, with the exception of the exhaust system. The 1108 abounds in elegant period details, like the cormorant radiator mascot, the Dietrich badge, burled-wood cabin trim, an ornate center-positioned instrument panel, and the three-position Victoria soft top (which has reportedly never been retracted since its 1980s restoration). Also featuring the optional Packard radio, dual covered side-mount spare wheels, and fitted with a correct Stromberg carburetor, this exquisite Dietrich-bodied custom Twelve is a rare and correctly presented Senior Packard that would make a superlative addition to most any collection of American Classics. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys. com/ en/ auctions/ hf19.
