Chassis No.
900202
Founded in 1899 in Warren, Ohio before relocating to Detroit, Packard quickly earned a reputation for building automobiles of exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and engineering integrity. Guided by the famous slogan, Ask the Man Who Owns One, Packard became the preferred motorcar of industrialists, dignitaries, celebrities, and heads of state who desired refined luxury. By the Classic Era, ownership of a Packard represented both status and discernment, with the marque widely regarded as one of Americas most prestigious automotive manufacturers.
Packard had firmly established itself as one of the worlds premier builders of luxury and sporting automobiles, renowned for its engineering excellence, refinement, and prestige. In 1932, the marque elevated its standing even further with the re-introduction of the magnificent Twin Six engine, a smooth and immensely powerful V-12 that represented the pinnacle of American motoring sophistication. Combining effortless performance with unmatched elegance, the new Twin Six models solidified Packards reputation among the finest automobiles of the Classic Era.
Believed to have been delivered new through the Detroit-based Packard branch in September of 1932, this stunning 1932 Packard Twin-Six Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton is one of just eight originally built. Known history begins under the care of David Perry of Brookfield, Wisconsin. Retained by him until 1959, this Packard was then purchased by Ronald Parhams of Dallas, Texas who reportedly drove it home from Wisconsin. Green upon his purchase, he opted to paint it maroon and install burgundy upholstery, and also rebuild the engine and transmission at this same time.
The next owner would be Bill Jones, who was noted as being an early collector that worked for Charles F. Urschel, the owner of the Urschel Oil Company in San Antonio, Texas. Known to be a man of great wealth, Mr. Urschel was notably in the headlines in 1933, as he was abducted from his home by notorious gangster George Machine Gun Kelly and Albert Bates and held at ransom. Mr. Urschel was released safely, of course after the family paid a hefty $200,000 ransom release.
Mr. Urschel would soon after take ownership of this Packard from Bill Jones and have him commence a second restoration where it was finished in a cream over maroon livery. A fixture in the oil tycoon's stable, it became known in the collector car hobby as The Urschel Oil Packard, and he would enjoy this dual-cowl sport phaeton for an extended period of time, retaining it from 1968 until 1991.
This example would then sell through a succession of classic car dealers before being acquired by Dick Barbour of San Diego. The next owner would be the late Don Williams of the Blackhawk Collection in California who then sold it to collector car pioneer and noted Duesenberg collector Leo Gephart. Leo then sold this Packard to Matteo Trotta of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Under his ownership, this Packard would appear in a classic car calendar. Dale Bliss of Oklahoma City would become the next owner, but not before Packard expert and historian C.A. Leslie did a full inspection and verified all aspects. Leslie was familiar with the car, having gone through it in 1968 when it was under the ownership of Bill Jones. Upon inspection once again, he gave Mr. Bliss the green light to purchase.
Mr. Bliss would own this Packard for over 20 years, driving it to several collector car outings and using it in various parades. In 2013, as part of a private transaction, in which John Kruse participated, during Pebble Beach Car Week, this rare Twin Six was acquired by the Denmark-based Frederiksen Collection, an internationally renowned curated collection of some of the most desirable pre-war automobiles ever built. Sold along with the entire Frederiksen Collection in 2015, the current noted pre-war collector would bring this 1932 V-12 Packard back to U.S. shores.
Cherished among his impressive collection, he would entrust Tim Purrier at Straight Eight LLC of Troy, Michigan to perform a comprehensive concours-quality restoration. A stunning outcome, as the dark green paint was applied to the original body by noted firm, Paddocks Paint Works, and the complementing olive brown interior was done by Nostalgic Motoring Ltd. Its captivating appearance is further fashioned thanks to its color-matched wheels, dual-enclosed spare wheels integrated into the sweeping front fenders, and its sporting dual-cowl body with dual folding windscreens.
One of the best in the business, Straight Eight completely went through its impressive and original Twin Six, twelve-cylinder motor and transmission, resulting in a fantastic Packard that produces wonderful road manners for both driving onto the show field or to be enjoyed on noted collector car tours. Of note, in addition to its original engine, body, and chassis, a myriad of additional original components remain.
In rare fashion, this Packard is yet to grace a show field to be judged since its comprehensive restoration was completed, presenting the rare opportunity for the next owner to acquire and debut an automobile that will grant them access to prestigious concours and events that stretch around the globe. One of only eight built, it is one of the most attractive Twin Six Packards ever built and combines striking and sporting dual-cowl coachwork, celebrated provenance, and the effortless power of Packards legendary Twin Six engine. This automobile presents as a compelling example that showcases why Packard was the choice of Americas most discerning motorists, both in period and today.
* One of only eight built; the finest example extant
* Original engine, body, and chassis
* Recent comprehensive concours-quality restoration by Straight Eight of Troy, Michigan
* Significantly documented ownership history and provenance
* The resident of multiple prolific collectors, including Don Williams, Leo Gephart, and the Denmark-based Frederikson Collection
* Never before judged since its restoration and ready for prestigious global events and shows
* Among the most attractive, desirable, and coveted twelve-cylinder Packards built
From the Kruse Auctions
For the complete description or to view additional photos, <a href="https://listings.kruseauctions.com/listings/AF26-000016">click here</a>
