1932 Packard Ninth Series Twin Six Dietrich Individual Custom Convertible Sedan
- Engine
- 7.3L (445.5 cu. in.) L-head V12, ~160 bhp
- Colour
- Packard Maroon
A 1932–1934 Packard Dietrich Individual Custom Convertible Sedan, constructed on a Ninth Series Twin Six (V-12) chassis, representing one of the most desirable body-chassis combinations of the American Classic Era. Originally bodied on a Super Eight chassis and held by the Harrah Automobile Collection from 1962, it was acquired in 1981 by motorsport figure Robert Bahre, who commissioned respected Packard specialist Steve Gunder to transplant the original Dietrich coachwork onto a matching Twin Six chassis. Finished in Packard Maroon with plum leather, the car retains original body panels, period hardware, and its rare vacuum-assisted clutch.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$700,000 – US$800,000
- 1962 →Acquisition unknownHarrah's Automobile Collectionfull documentation
The Super Eight chassis with Dietrich bodywork resided in this famous Nevada collection; registration documents from this period accompany the car.
- 1981 → 2014Private saleRobert Bahrefull documentation
Prominent motorsport figure who acquired the Super Eight Dietrich body from Harrah's and had it re-bodied onto a Twin Six chassis by restorer Steve Gunder of Topeka, Kansas; finished in factory Packard Maroon with plum leather interior.
- 2014 →Acquisition unknownSubsequent owner post-Bahre Collection salepartial documentation
Car sold from the Bahre Collection in 2014 and described as having received attentive care over the following three decades, with the restoration remaining in near-flawless condition.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownEdgar C. Lawrencepartial documentation
Early owner based in San Jose, California; recorded in ownership history prior to Harrah's acquisition.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJames F. Baccardopartial documentation
Also based in San Jose, California; listed as an early owner in the recorded chain of custody.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBob Adamspartial documentation
Friend of Robert Bahre who owned a Ninth Series Twin Six donor chassis, engine, and drivetrain, which had also originated from the Harrah's collection.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —ModificationSteve Gunder
Dietrich coachwork was removed from the original Super Eight chassis and refitted onto the Ninth Series Twin Six chassis; all original body panels and period Dietrich hardware were retained throughout the transfer.
Work carried out in Topeka, Kansas; both the donor body car and the Twin Six chassis were delivered to Gunder for the project.
- —RestorationSteve Gunder
Full restoration encompassing bodywork finished in factory Packard Maroon lacquer, plum leather interior, and black canvas hood; chrome wire wheels and whitewall tyres fitted. Paint, interior, and chrome described as crisp and nearly flawless.
Commissioned by Robert Bahre; the restoration has remained in excellent presentable condition through to the time of cataloguing.
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