Re: Attractive 1939 1238 Model 12 Packard on ebay

Posted by JMc On 2016/11/16 18:17:13

The body looks almost identical to all the senior 2/4 Coupes from 1935 to 1939. It certainly looks the same body as my (and BDCs) 1935 Eight version; and it would make sense for the steel panel press dies to be reused over those years. The major visual differences are the divided windscreen (a retrograde aesthetic step in my opinion) and the rear-opening doors. Maybe there are subtle differences to accommodate the longer wheelbase chassis? Or is the extra length all forward of the cowl? I'm sure experts will know.

It is clear that this body style was produced in relatively small numbers over all three engine sizes from 1935 to 1939.
The market demographic for these is an interesting question. In the case of my coupe, I have a vague understanding that it was bought new by two unmarried and childless brothers who made a substantial fortune in the emerging super-phosphate fertiliser industry in the 1920s and 1930s. They founded a fertiliser company that is still prominent in the industry to this day. On their passing they left the coupe to their housekeeper, my great aunt. I believe they also owned a Packard limousine and a Rolls Royce of some kind. Sorry none of this applies to the 39 Twelve in question, so I'll desist.

John