The Packard Twelve is revered among classic car enthusiasts for its combination of advanced engineering, ease of operation, stately design, and exceptional build quality. Just 446 Twelves were built for the 1939 model year, Packard’s final entry in the decade’s multi-cylinder competition. Offered here in rare Convertible Coupe guise, this was Packard’s most sporting body style offered on its Twelve chassis.

While the bulk of Packard Twelve production was reserved for more formal closed sedans and limousines, the performance prowess of the Twelve was best realized in its sporting Convertible Coupe configuration. This body style offered the flexibility of open or closed driving pleasure, with the option of carrying two additional passengers in its rumble seat. The convertible top folds nearly flat, creating a striking profile when lowered.

This Twelve’s cowl tag indicates that it was delivered to Packard Toledo Inc. on November 4, 1938, with an assigned Packard vehicle number of 1239-2006. Eugene Cohen of Sarasota, Florida, acquired the car in 2009 from a Tennesseebased enthusiast who had started to disassemble it. Mr. Cohen immediately embarked on a complete restoration and his 30-plus years of experience with other Packard Twelves served him well, as he personally completed the engine rebuild. Following restoration, the car earned first place awards in AACA competition in both 2012 and 2013. His exhaustive efforts and driving experiences are detailed in the June 2015 issue of Hemmings Classic Car, in which it is featured on the front cover and appropriately captioned as “V-12 Supremacy.” That cover photo shows the car as it appears today, finished in black paint with a gray top, complemented by a dark red leather interior.

This Convertible Coupe comes complete with metal side-mount covers fitted with dual rearview mirrors, Packard driving lights, trunk rack, whitewall tires, and radio. Unusual for the 1939 model year, this example features the more sporting floor shift. The current owner seized on the opportunity to once again have it evaluated in detail when it was judged in competition at the CCCA’s January 2022 annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, garnering a First Place award and earning senior badge no. 3368.

While the current CCCA roster lists 38 examples of Packard Twelves for 1939, just one of these carries Convertible Coupe coachwork, promising its next owner entry into rarefied automotive circles. This award-winning example perfectly represents the end of Packard’s senior model offering, and to many, the end of the Classic Era. Presented in show-ready condition, it will serve its new owner equally well on the open road.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.