Packard Twelve

In 1934 the 11th series model was introduced, adding a shorter third version on the 135 in (3.43 m) chassis of the Super Eight.[4] An "Aero Sport Coupe" bodied in-house and a LeBaron-bodied "Runabout Speedster" were available on this wheelbase; only around ten of these two types were made. The appearance of the dramatic, almond-shaped Aero Sport Coupe was guided by Packard stylist Ed Macauley although the actual design work was done by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky in his stint as a consultant at Packard. Only four Sport Coupes were built. This was the last car to be "Custom Made by Packard."[2] The Model codes were 1106 (short), 1107 (middle), and 1108 (long). 960 Packard Twelves were built in 1934. This was also the first year that a radio was a factory option.

Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria 1934

For the 12th Series of 1935, the engine gained aluminum heads and was stroked by a quarter inch, bringing up the displacement to 473.3 cu in (7,756 cc). Power was 175 hp (130 kW) at 3200 rpm and a high compression version with 180 hp (134 kW) was also available. The gearbox was now fully synchronized and both the mechanical brakes and the clutch received vacuum assist. The new wheelbases on offer were 132 ¹⁄₂ in (3.37 m), 139 ¹⁄₄ in (3.54 m), and 144 ¹⁄₄ in (3.66 m). The 14th Series of 1936 was largely unchanged from the 12th (there was no 13th Series). The only differences were a radiator angled by five more degrees, the oil temperature regulator was redesigned, and the shortest wheelbase model was discontinued.[5]

Model year 1937 brought hydraulic brakes for the 15th Series Twelve; these had already been available for two years on the Packard One Twenty.[6] Suicide doors were changed to conventional, front-hinged ones. With 1300 built, 1937 was the Twelve's most successful year.[7]

1936 Packard Twelve Speedster Boattail

1938's 16th Series brought yet shorter wheelbases: 127 ³⁄₈ in (3.24 m), 134 ³⁄₈ in (3.41 m), and 139 ³⁄₈ in (3.54 m). The shortest Model 1606 used the Super Eight chassis but was not included in Packard's brochures and it is unsure if any were built.[8] Only 566 16th Series Twelves were built, followed by 446 17th Series. The fenders were of a heavier design than on previous years' models, while a column shift became and option alongside the center mounted shifter. This shape remained in use for 1939's 17th Series, the last of the Packard Twelves. 5262 examples were built in total. For 1940 Packard's top model was the Packard Super Eight.

In October 1935, American President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave Joseph Stalin an armoured Packard Twelve, which became the dictator's favourite automotive vehicle for many years.[9]