Packard Twin Six Roadster Coupe 1932
445.5 cid L-Head V-12 Engine
Single Stromberg Dual Draft Carburetor
160bhp at 3,600 rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension, Dual Ratio Rear Axle
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
That this Twin Six coupe roadster was Clark Gable’s is strongly backed both by the opinions of Packard historians and by first-hand recollections.
Among these was Major Conrad Clough, a Leslie contemporary and fellow Packard collector in Oklahoma City, who had earlier resided in Santa Monica in the 1930s. Major Clough recalled to Mr. Leslie that he had known Clark Gable, that he recalled seeing this car at Earle C. Anthony’s when it was in for service, and that it was painted a very dark Packard Blue, the same color found on the car when it was stripped by Mr. Wohlwend at the beginning of restoration. The Major was convinced that the car he eventually came to know in the Leslie stable had been Gable’s. Similarly, Ted Davis, a roster keeper for Ninth Series Twin Sixes, regards this as being the Gable car, as did the late collector Jim Weston and, most certainly, Tom Moretti, a man who did his research and knew his facts when it came to Packards.
Today the Packard presents very well and the recent restoration looks fresh and authentic. The magnificent looks of this model are on full display. The car is exceptionally well proportioned with all the exquisite details that make a twelve-cylinder Packard so special. From the instrument cluster to the headlights to the engine block, it is fully apparent that Packard was at the top of their game in this period.
This highly attractive Twin-Six was acquired by the vendor 40 years ago. At the time, the owner possessed a 903 Super Eight Coupe Roadster and this Twin Six that wore five-passenger coachwork at the time. A swap of only the bodywork behind the fire wall was executed. The Twin Six chassis was in fine, highly complete shape and the Super Eight body lined up perfectly with the holes in the chassis. The result was an all Packard made, Twin Six Coupe Roadster – for many the Holy Grail of Twin Six cars. This was how it was done at the factory and common at Packard Dealerships to meet demand and customer needs. The chassis/boy swap was done exactly to Packard standards with advice from Packard owners from around the country that Mr. Ritner knew.
Beneath the lengthy hood sits Packard’s legendary 445.5 cubic-inch L-head V12, mated to a three-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. With 160 horsepower on tap, the V12 engine delivered outstanding performance with virtually unrivaled levels of refinement. Features of the 142-inch wheelbase chassis include adjustable ride control, and powerful, vacuum-assisted Bendix brakes. Packards of this era offer a sublime driving experience, thanks to the exceptionally well-engineered chassis. The accompanying history file includes photographs documenting the restoration of the underpinnings and body, along with period service information. The sale of this car presents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Packard Twin Six with highly desirable sporting coachwork and recent, high-quality restoration. This marvelous automobile is equally at home on the show field as it is on the road, and is sure to find a place of distinction in virtually any collection.
