1934 Packard Twelve Sport Coupe
The rare and highly sought-after 1934 Packard Twelve Sport Coupe was the result of a collaboration between renowned designer Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and the prestigious coachbuilder LeBaron. Together, they created a vehicle that embodied the essence of streamlined styling and set a new standard for automotive design.
Under the hood, the Packard Twelve Sport Coupe is powered by a 445 cubic inch, side-valve V12 engine, which produced an impressive 160 horsepower for its time. This large engine was mated to a three-speed manual transmission.
The car’s advanced chassis, with its independent front suspension and live rear axle, provided a comfortable ride, while the four-wheel mechanical drum brakes helped make sure the stopping power was there as well.
What truly sets the 1934 Packard Twelve Sport Coupe apart, however, is its groundbreaking design. The car features a unique 136-inch-wheelbase chassis, designated as the 1106, which was derived from the shorter Standard Eight model.
This platform allowed LeBaron to create a body that was a masterpiece of aerodynamic styling, with sensuously rounded pontoon fenders, curved running boards that nearly blend into the body, and a tapered tail that epitomizes the streamlined aesthetic of the era.
One of the most striking aspects of the Sport Coupe’s design is its dramatic fastback roofline, which closely follows the lines of Cadillac’s Aerodynamic Coupe show car from 1933. This feature, along with the car’s overall styling, bears a remarkable similarity to the Mercedes-Benz 500 K Autobahnkurier, which was introduced around the same time.
Both vehicles represented the very best of streamlined design on their respective continents and were as awe-inspiring then as the most advanced supercars are today.
The 1934 Packard Twelve Sport Coupe’s interior is equally impressive, with luxurious materials and exquisite craftsmanship throughout. The car’s spacious cabin is trimmed in the finest leather and features a range of amenities that were considered cutting-edge for the time, including a radio and heater.
The attention to detail and quality of the interior reflected Packard’s commitment to providing its customers with the ultimate in comfort and refinement.
Today, the 1934 Packard Twelve Sport Coupe is a highly prized collector’s item, with only a handful of examples known to exist. Its rarity, combined with its stunning design and historical significance, make it one of the most desirable (and expensive) Packards of the classic era, fetching 2+ million dollars for well-restored examples.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
