In October 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave Joseph Stalin an armoured Packard Twelve as a gift — and it became the Soviet dictator's favorite car for years afterward.
Lead trim: Twelve 445.5 cu in V12 (160 hp at 3200 rpm) · up to 180 hp
Packard Twelve1933–1939
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Packard Twelve yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactIn October 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave Joseph Stalin an armoured Packard Twelve as a gift — and it became the Soviet dictator's favorite car for years afterward.
For 1933 Packard reintroduced a twelve-cylinder engine, first still called the Twin Six and then the Packard Twelve; the majority of these Twelves received standard bodywork as custom bodywork lost favour. The 10th Series (1933) offered the 1005 and 1006 on 142 and 147 in wheelbases with the V12 retained (67-degree block angle, 445.5 cu in / 7,300 cc, 160 hp at 3200 rpm); the 11th Series of 1934 added a 135 in chassis (960 built; Aero Sport Coupe and LeBaron Runabout Speedster); for the 12th Series of 1935 the engine gained aluminium heads and a quarter-inch longer stroke for 473.3 cu in (7,756 cc) and 175 hp at 3200 rpm (a high-compression 180 hp version existed), with a fully synchronised gearbox and vacuum-assisted brakes; the 15th Series of 1937 (1,300 built, the best year) brought hydraulic brakes and 566 16th Series and 446 17th Series followed to 1939, 5,262 built in total. In October 1935 Roosevelt gave Stalin an armoured Twelve. It was succeeded by the Custom Super Eight. Wheelbases ranged from 127 3/8 to 147 in over the years and are not entered.
Collectors Spotted in the Packard Twelve Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Packard Twelve yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
3 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve 445.5 cu in V12 (160 hp at 3200 rpm) | 1933–1934 | 7.3 L V12 | 160 hp | 322 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Twelve 473.3 cu in V12 (175 hp at 3200 rpm) | 1935–1939 | 7.8 L V12 | 175 hp | 366 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Twelve 473.3 cu in V12 high compression (180 hp) | 1935–1939 | 7.8 L V12 | 180 hp | 366 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
In October 1935, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave Joseph Stalin an armoured Packard Twelve as a gift — and it became the Soviet dictator's favorite car for years afterward.
A Packard Twin Six wasn't just a luxury car — the 1919 Third Series 3-25 Runabout was chosen to pace the Indianapolis 500 that year.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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