By the mid-1930s, Packard had soared back to success. Overcoming earlier challenges, the production of Junior models had revived Packard’s fortunes, reaching a peak of 122,500 cars for the year. While mid-priced models contributed to the company’s financial health, the flagship Twelve remained a luxury reserved for a select clientele.
In the Fifteenth Series of 1937, Packard fully embraced streamlined design principles, featuring sleek, fully skirted fenders, gentle curves, and a slanted, painted radiator shell—all exuding Packard’s trademark elegance. The chassis received updates, including smaller steel wheels and the introduction of the new “Safe-T-FleX” independent front suspension, enhancing Packard’s renowned ride quality.
Powering it all was the formidable 473.3 cubic-inch L-head V12 engine, delivering 175 bhp with remarkable silence. Yet, the era of multi-cylinder flagships was waning, and despite its prestigious reputation, only 1,300 examples were produced across all body styles—a mere fraction of Packard’s annual output.
Source: Bonhams
