The 1936 Packard 1407 Twelve Sport Phaeton represents the final flourish of the traditional open-air touring car before streamlined sedans took over the market. As a Fourteenth Series model, it occupies a prestigious place in the hierarchy of American luxury, combining a massive wheelbase with the silent power of a twelve-cylinder engine. This specific vehicle is exceptionally rare, being one of only five authentic examples built on the 144-inch chassis. Records indicate it is one of just three survivors, and it stands alone as the only known example ordered without sidemounted spare tires for a cleaner side profile.
A Provenance Spanning Consulates and Collections
This Packard carries a narrative as compelling as its mechanical specifications, beginning with its delivery to Toronto in September 1936. Historical accounts suggest its first prominent user was the Japanese Consulate in Canada, which may explain why the Packard logos were originally blanked out for formal service. After the war, the car moved through various hands in Western Canada, including a period where it was used for tours in Banff. It eventually joined the famous collection of Murray Gammon and later belonged to noted enthusiasts like Richard Gold and Gordon Apker, solidifying its status among the elite.
The Refined Aesthetics of the Dual-Cowl Body
The dual-cowl sport phaeton body style is often considered the most romantic and visually striking configuration offered by the company. It features a secondary windshield for rear-seat passengers, offering a sense of individual cabins within the same open vehicle. While originally finished in black, the car now wears a vibrant Packard Cream that highlights its long, sweeping fenders and streamlined radiator shell. The absence of sidemounts allows the viewer to appreciate the uninterrupted lines of the front hood and doors. This design choice creates a sleekness that was quite progressive for the mid-thirties luxury market.
Preservation and CCCA Full Classic Recognition
Maintaining its original vehicle number firewall tag, this Packard is an authentic 1407 that has avoided the rebodied fate of many lesser cars. It is recognized as a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic, a designation reserved for the finest automobiles of the era. The car has been exhibited at prestigious venues, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2007. Its interior remains a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials that reflect its former life as an embassy transport. The level of preservation seen here ensures it remains a benchmark for serious collectors of the marque.
Twelve-Cylinder Engineering and Performance Specs
Power is derived from Packard’s legendary 473 cubic inch V-12 engine, which was factory rated at 175 horsepower. This engine was famous for its immense torque and nearly vibration-free operation, allowing the heavy phaeton to accelerate with deceptive ease. Performance is managed by a three-speed manual transmission that was engineered to handle the smooth power delivery of the twelve-cylinder block. The 144-inch wheelbase provides a compliant ride quality that was unmatched by almost any other manufacturer of the period. This mechanical setup allowed for high-speed continental touring with absolute reliability and silence.
Summary of a Pre-War Masterpiece
The 1936 Packard 1407 Twelve Sport Phaeton is a rare jewel that captures the end of an era for open-top luxury motoring. Its unique history, ranging from diplomatic service to world-class concours lawns, makes it a significant historical artifact. With its original firewall tag and documented ownership chain, it offers a level of certainty that is rare in the high-end collector market. This car is not just a vehicle but a representative of the height of American craftsmanship. It stands as a primary example of why the Packard Twelve remains one of the most respected machines in automotive history.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
