An exceptionally rare and storied 1935 Packard Twelve Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton, one of only four built and just three known to survive, is set to command attention when it crosses the block at the upcoming Henderson Collector Motor Series Auction on May 3, 2025, at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
Built on the elite Series 1207 chassis with a 139-inch wheelbase, this Full Classic® Packard was powered by the automaker’s advanced 473-cubic-inch V-12 engine, delivering 175 horsepower with an unmatched level of smoothness and refinement. Featuring dramatic Streamline Moderne styling, it includes flowing front fenders, bullet-style headlamps, a bold “ox bow” grille, and design work executed under the direction of famed coachbuilder Raymond Dietrich.
Originally delivered new to Lake Forest, Illinois, this Sport Phaeton has passed through the hands of prominent collectors and has been the subject of extensive restoration and concours recognition. Its known ownership history includes display at the now-closed Princeton Automobile Museum and a meticulous restoration in the 1970s by Fuller Brothers Restorations of Iowa. Enhancements included the addition of dual side-mounted spares and original Packard Twelve fenders.
Following its restoration, the car earned top honors at concours events, including a perfect 100-point score at the Indiana Grand Classic and a feature in Collectible Automobile magazine. More recently, it has appeared at world-renowned events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Concours of America.
Presented in deep maroon with beige leather upholstery, a black folding top, and chrome wire wheels, the Packard retains its Dietrich body and tags and has been recently serviced to ensure mechanical reliability for touring or showing. A rebuilt water pump, refreshed steering box, and updated clutch and brake boosters highlight recent attention to road readiness.
Accompanied by a comprehensive history file, this Packard Twelve Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton represents one of the finest and rarest examples of prewar American luxury engineering available today—offering its next owner an irreplaceable piece of automotive history.
