During the first half century of the automobile age, Packard produced the most prestigious luxury motorcars of any American manufacturer. It was the car of presidents, royalty, and super wealthy individuals of discerning tastes. Although its contemporaries in the luxury market, the Bentleys and the Duesenbergs, were typically faster and louder, the Packard offered refined sophistication, with a quiet, super smooth ride.

The Packard Motor Car Company was founded by brothers James Ward and William Doud Packard, and partner George Lewis Weiss in the city of Warren Ohio in 1899, and was originally named The Ohio Automobile Company, after the Buckeye State. In 1902, the brothers renamed the company after themselves, and installed James as president. Then, they went about proving their product on the race track, which was in those days the key to a carmaker’s reputation. The following year, the company relocated to Detroit, having hired the city’s renowned architect Albert Kahn to design their factory. At the time of its debut, the 3.5 million square foot plant covered 35 acres and was considered the most modern in the world.

As the company became less concerned with speed, and more interested in the luxury market, Packard became famous for their technical innovation. They introduced the modern steering wheel, the electric starter and electric lights, and an H-pattern gearshift. 1915 saw the production of the first production twelve-cylinder engine, the fabled Twin Six, which Packard president Henry Joy dubbed, “The greatest piece of machinery that ever went on to the highways, and the most luxuriant carriage.” The unbelievably compact engine was a bombshell, and many auto historians consider its invention one of the most significant events in automobile history. The Twin Six ruled the road for the term of its manufacture, through 1923.

Packard’s engineers revived the Twin Six name for their top of the line model for 1932’s Ninth Series, though it was renamed the Twelve after this year. This engine bore little resemblance to the original, now coming in at 445 cubic inches, with 160 hp and topping out at about 100 mph. Running at 60 or 70 mph, the Twin Six’s ride was whisper quiet, and its automatic clutch provided a smooth, refined ride, with the extra added bonus of freewheeling capabilities. Despite their prestige as the ultimate Packards, the Twin Six sold for a mere $200 more than Packard’s next highest model.

This Twin Six was Jay’s first real collector’s car. He bought it from legendary racecar driver Phil Hill, the only American-born driver ever to win the Formula One driving championship. Phil was at one time a Packard mechanic, and did a full restoration on the car, though he never had to touch the motor - it still works perfectly! Jay drives the car regularly, and has only had to change the fluids and shave the tires to achieve 1932’s ultimate ride.