1933 Packard Tenth Series Twelve Dietrich Individual Custom Convertible Victoria

Delivered new through a Packard dealership in Hartford, Connecticut; the car remained in that general area for some years afterward.

Sold the vehicle in 1950; car was still in original two-tone green paint and interior at that stage.

Based in Windsor initially, then relocated to Pennsylvania to attend Swarthmore College, bringing the car with him; sold it in response to a classified advertisement.

Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana; undertook a careful sympathetic restoration over many years, preserving original components wherever possible, and housed the finished car in a purpose-built room at his home; retained the vehicle until his death in 1993.

Renowned collector who had long sought the car; commissioned a thorough restoration by restorer Bob Mosier, documented in approximately 300 photographs; used a related Dietrich convertible sedan from his own collection as a reference for period-correct finishes.

Acquired from the Chandler estate; maintained the car to a high standard and exhibited it at a major concours; described as the vehicle's third owner in 67 years.

Specialist in twelve-cylinder Packards and convertible victoria coachwork; car serves as a centerpiece of the collection and has been kept in excellent condition.

Referenced only in passing as part of the early ownership chain in the Hartford, Connecticut region.

Mittermaier participated in a portion of the inaugural event, driving from Fort Wayne to Toledo and then to Detroit, where the car was driven on the Packard Proving Grounds at 60 mph.

Public exhibition marking the DIA's 100th anniversary; the car was selected by visitors as the standout example among all vehicles on show.

Won the top award following Otis Chandler's restoration; also achieved two perfect 100-point scores in CCCA National judging, earning Senior classification.

First appearance at Pebble Beach; the restoration was nearly a decade old at the time yet still placed second in a highly competitive class.

Mittermaier undertook a careful, preservation-focused restoration himself, retaining the original frame, engine, most of the body wood, and as many small trim pieces as possible. The original engine alone required two years to rebuild, with replacement parts including valve guides, springs, timing chain, and gaskets sourced directly from Packard.

Philosophy prioritised conservation over replacement, notably forward-thinking for the era. Engine rebuild is captured here as part of the overall restoration episode.

A thorough second restoration was carried out, with the restorer noting that virtually no inner wood structure required replacement and that door skins were left attached to their framing. The work encompassed both cosmetic refinishing and mechanical attention, resulting in a car described as road-ready. An unrestored sibling Dietrich convertible sedan served as the reference for authentic period finishes.

Approximately 300 progress photographs were taken and remain in the history file. Commissioned by Otis Chandler.