1934 Packard Eleventh Series Twelve Convertible Sedan, Dietrich Individual Custom
- Engine
- 445.5 cu. in. (7.3L) modified L-head V12, 160 bhp
- Colour
- Very dark auburn
A 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Sedan (Series 1108, body style 4070) bodied by Raymond Dietrich as one of the celebrated Individual Customs, built on a 147-inch wheelbase and powered by a 445.5-cubic-inch L-head V-12 producing 160 bhp. One of only ten to twelve known surviving examples of this open four-door style, it was delivered new through the Earle C. Anthony dealership in Los Angeles. Following long-term private ownership, it received a meticulous restoration by Steve Babinsky and went on to win Best in Class at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Classic Car Club of America Trophy, an Amelia Award in 2011, and a CCCA Senior award in 2012.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,045,000
- Date unknownFactory deliveryEarle C. Anthony dealershippartial documentation
Original selling dealer for the car, located in Los Angeles. The car was delivered new through this agency.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFelix Carpenterpartial documentation
Resident of Florida and New Hampshire who held the car until his death in the early 1980s. The vehicle was documented in a reference book on the Packard Twelve during his tenure. Duration of ownership unclear but believed to have been lengthy.
- Date unknownInheritanceCarpenter estatepartial documentation
The car passed through the estate following Felix Carpenter's death before being sold on.
- Date unknownPrivate saleArthur Smithpartial documentation
Connecticut-based collector who acquired the car from the Carpenter estate and retained it for approximately three decades before it was purchased for the Andrews Collection.
- Date unknownPrivate saleAndrews Collectionpartial documentation
Purchased the car from Arthur Smith and commissioned a full restoration by Steve Babinsky's facility in Lebanon, New Jersey. The car competed successfully at major concours events during this ownership.
Competition
- 20102010 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceBest in Class — American Classic Open category; also received the Classic Car Club of America Trophy
The car was entered in what the catalogue describes as a highly competitive open-car class and took top class honors along with a secondary award from the CCCA.
- 20112011 Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceAmelia Award recipient
- 2012Classic Car Club of America Senior judging2012 CCCA Senior AwardSenior award, badge number 2981S
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationSteve Babinsky's facility
Comprehensive restoration carried out by Steve Babinsky's facility in Lebanon, New Jersey. All original sheet metal was retained and refinished in a very deep auburn. Deteriorated wood framing, including door sills, was replaced while matching the originals; door glass was absent and was faithfully reproduced using windows borrowed from another example as patterns. Both the convertible top and the interior were recreated to factory specification, using light brown leather and tan canvas respectively.
Prior to disassembly, Babinsky recorded all identifying numbers. The Dietrich body number 6626, stamped on the windshield frame, matched the figure found in the original body timber. The engine and chassis numbers were found to be in close sequence, supporting the originality of both units. The fenders had never been removed and retained their original edge welting.
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