The Model 1106 of 1934 received only two different bodystyles, but they were two of the best designs in Packard’s long history. Customers ordering this model could only pick between either the Sport Coupe by Packard or Runabout Speedster by Lebaron.

These designs were a radical departure from Packard’s typical style by having sweeping lines and pontoon fenders. Their profile begged for a little more length, but Packard wanted these models to be the most sporting cars of the range. They also benefited from the 11th series Packard engineering which had distinctive front fenders that sat closer to the bumper.

Both Coupe and Speedster were approved for production in 1933 by Packard’s chief stylist Edward Macauley and the Packard board of directors as halo models. Many were made with no expense spared to showcase Packard’s ability to produce the best cars in the world.

The shape for the Sport Coupe was laid down by LeBaron, but executed in Packard’s own facilities. The design was so far reaching that Mercedes-Benz modeled their own 540K Autobahnkurier after it and many other French companies later caught onto the act as well.

From every angle, the Sport Coupe reveals new detail. Curves included on the lower edge of the wheel skirts, in the running boards and around the door sill only reveal themselves after closer inspection. The cost of these special features was offset by the promotion Packard expected from touring the cars across America.

Both the Sport Coupe and Runabout Speedster where put into heavy show rotation. Up close these had walnut decor and gracious interior accents.

One of the cars designers, Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, was particularly proud of a feature he called the false hood that extended the perception of hood length. What he was referring to was the design of the front cowl which matched the hood and even continued its louvers and belt line.

Only four Runabout Speedsters were made and we estimate slightly more Sport Coupes were produced. Model 1106 production should be somewhere around 10 cars in total.

Sources & Further Reading.

1. Kimes, Beverley Rae. Packard, A History of the Motor Car and the Company. Princeton Publishing Inc: 1978.

1934 Packard Twelve Model 1107

See full 1934 Packard Twelve Model 1107 here

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
built at	USA
production	10
engine	67 Degree, Cast Iron, V12 w/Modified L-Head
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	2 Horizonal Valves per Cyl w/Zero Lash Valve Silencers
fuel feed	Downdraft Stromberg EE-3 Carburetor
displacement	7292 cc / 445 in³
bore	87.12 mm / 3.43 in
stroke	101.6 mm / 4 in
compression	6.0:1
power	119.3 kw / 160 bhp @ 3200 rpm
specific output	21.94 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	64.13 bhp per tonne
torque	436.57 nm / 322 ft lbs @ 1400 rpm
redline	4200
body / frame	Steel Body over Press Steel Ladder-Type Frame w/X Center Brace
driven wheels	RWD, Hotchkiss Final Drive
wheel type	Wire or Wood
front tires	17×7.5
rear tires	17×7.5
front brakes	Cable Operated Adjustable Bendex Drums w/Bragg-Klierath Vacuum Assist
rear brakes	Cable Operated Adjustable Bendex Drums w/Bragg-Klierath Vacuum Assist
steering	Gemmer Worm & Roller
f suspension	Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
r suspension	Live Axle
curb weight	2495 kg / 5500 lbs
wheelbase	3607 mm / 142 in
front track	1532 mm / 60.3 in
rear track	1492 mm / 58.75 in
transmission	3-Speed Synchromesh w/Optional Free Wheeling Clutch

Auction Sales History

1G

1934 Packard Twelve Series 1106 Sport Coupe 750795 – sold for $2,200,000 The last of four built; numerous one-off features. The 1934 New York Auto Show car. Distinguished provenance, including long-term Texas history. One of the most important Classic Era Packards. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Auction Source: Paul & Chris Andrews Collection by RM Sotheby’s