Packard · 1916–1939

Packard Twelve

The Packard Twelve was a range of V12-engined luxury automobiles built by the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan. The car was built from model year 1916 until 1923, then it returned 1933 until 1939. As a sign of changing times, the majority of second generation Packard Twelves received standard bodywork, with custom bodywork gradually losing favor. Many of the custom cars were actually only "semi-customs", with Dietrich assembling Packard-made bodies with special touches.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Packard Deluxe Eight · Successor: Packard 180

All Packard Twelve data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

History

Packard introduced the Twin Six to stay competitive with Marmon, Pierce-Arrow, Rolls-Royce, Renault and other luxury brands. Cadillac and Lincoln began offering large luxury products starting in the late 1910s. Large displacement engines provided the horsepower and torque their clients wanted and due to the low quality of gasoline fuel at the time, and low compression ratios, 50 bhp was more than adequate. It is estimated that the rating equivalent of early gasoline available varied from 40 to 60 octane and that the "High-Test", sometimes referred to as "fighting grade", probably averaged 50 to 65 octane. First generation. The first company produced 12-cylinder engine was in 1916, called the Packard Twin Six (1-25, 1-35) signifying two different wheelbases of 125 in (3,200 mm) and 135 in (3,400 mm), and was for four years the only product sold until the Single Six returned in 1921. The standard paint scheme for open cars, touring sedans, phaetons, and runabouts was Packard blue with cream yellow striping on body and door panels, with black used on the underbody, radiator, fenders, chassis and running gear with no striping. Wheels were painted cream yellow with black stripes. Closed body choices were painted similar without cream yellow painted wheels. Brightwork was nickel plated, and a Warner speedometer, with a Waltham clock, among other items, were standard equipment. Optionally, the choice of interior and exterior colors were endless to accommodate the customers preferences. Ten different body styles were available on either wheelbase while coupe and runabout body styles were only offered on the 125" wheelbase. The engine was a 60 degree L-head displacing 424.1 cu in (6,950 cc) producing 88 hp (66 kW) at 2600 rpm. Detachable heads and larger radiators came in 1916,

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Packard Twelve
Manufacturer: Packard
Model years: 1916–1923, 1932–1939
Assembly: Packard Automotive Plant, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Class: Ultra-luxury car
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related: Packard Super Eight
Engine: 424.1 CID V12 (1916-1923), 445.5 CID V12 (1933-1934), 473.3 CID V12 (1935-1939)
Body style: Coachbuilt to owner's preference, 2-door coupé, 2/4-door convertible, 4-door sedan
Wheelbase: 125 - (1916-1923), 127+3/8 in (1938), 132+1/2 in (1935-1937), 134+3/8 in (1938-1939), 135 in (1934), 139+1/4 in (1935-1937) 139+3/8 in (1938-1939), 142 in (1933-1934), 144+1/4 in (1935-1937), 147 in (1933-1934)
Predecessor: Packard Six
Successor: Packard Custom Super Eight