1939 Packard 1708 Touring Sedan

7 Passenger American Pre-War Luxury!

From the Driver’s Seat - Our team’s personal take on what makes this classic stand out

A true finale to Packard’s V12 legacy, the 1708 Touring Sedan offers an unmatched blend of engineering, presence, and authenticity. This is a rare experience of driving one of the last great American twelve-cylinder luxury cars.

THE ESSENTIALS

The 1939 Packard 1708 Touring Sedan represents the final chapter of Packard’s legendary V-12 era, a culmination of prewar American luxury engineering and craftsmanship. This example, chassis 1234-2078, presents with strong mechanical preservation, a documented history of respected ownership, and thoughtful servicing that makes the Packard well suited for touring, local and regional events. Highlighted by the 7.8L V12, dual side-mount spares, and an elegant black finish, the Packard offers an authentic prewar driving experience rooted in exceptional engineering.

Originally sold on July 25, 1939 in Kansas City, this Touring Sedan is one of only 446 Packard Twelve examples built for the model year and is likely among the final dozen produced before V-12 production ended on August 8, 1939. The Packard remained with its first family for nearly 30 years before being acquired by a museum, which preserved the example for nearly four decades and completed the mechanical recommissioning. The third owner, Richard Paley, invested in extensive restorative work between 2017 and 2019, including rebuilding the brake, clutch, wiper, and shock systems, refinishing the upholstery and wood trim, repositioning the front seat, and installing new window shades. A restoration plaque confirms the craftsmanship completed by Wayne Motors Auto Body under the advisement of Viktor Tkaczenko. Mr. Paley successfully showed the Packard locally, earning Best of Show in 2018. The current owner has cared for the Touring Sedan since 2020, adding fewer than 1,000 miles while storing it in a climate-controlled environment and driving it for Packard Club outings and weekend cruises.

The exterior of the Packard presents beautifully in deep black paint in overall very good condition with minor imperfections and one ding in the driver’s side door. The prominent front grill shows normal wear from age and use, and is beautifully complemented by a brilliant chrome Cormorant hood ornament designed by Werner Gubitz. The dual side mirrors, headlamps, and fog lamps all appear clear and well preserved. Dual fender-mounted spare wheels are enclosed in painted black steel covers, and the 16-inch wheels wear BFGoodrich 235/85/R16 tires in excellent condition with chrome Packard Twelve caps. The rear luggage rack folds cleanly and accommodates a substantial trunk, supporting the Packard’s touring capabilities. The running boards show modest age-consistent wear, but the structure and presentation remain sound. Four doors, including rear suicide doors, open to a grand, formal Packard profile befitting the flagship Twelve.

Inside, the Touring Sedan features tan mohair upholstery in excellent to very good condition, showing only minor surface blemishes and seam loosening at the edges. The front bench, rear bench with fold-down armrest, and dual rear jump seats allow for spacious seven-passenger accommodation. The headliner is in excellent condition except for one faded area above the driver’s seat. The burl walnut trim enriches the cabin with period-correct warmth, while the dash is equipped with factory gauges, a front cabin heater, and an AM radio. A metal steering wheel with Packard emblem enamel center and the right-hand “Handi-shift” column lever add authenticity to the driving environment. Beige wool carpeting exhibits some wear, with the rear cabin benefiting from a plush gray overlay in very good condition. The mohair headliner is clean and presents well, and all lateral glass operates smoothly via chrome window cranks.

Powering the Touring Sedan is its original 7.8-liter V12, engine number 473, rated at 175 horsepower and paired with a 3-speed column-shift manual transmission and Stromberg carburetor. The Packard features power drum brakes for confident stopping, independent front suspension with coil springs and shocks, and leaf springs at the rear. The factory-correct single exhaust system maintains quiet operation, and the 6-volt positive-ground electrical system includes an added battery shut-off switch beneath the driver’s seat for ease and safety. The Packard has been maintained with thoughtful mechanical attention, showing mileage of 54,166, and remains well suited for relaxed touring and local exhibition.

For more information and details, please call or text Kendi Brown at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This 1939 Packard 1708 Twelve Touring Sedan is available for inspection at our showroom in Phoenix. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.

1939 Packard 1708 Touring Sedan

PRIVATE SALE STATUS
SELLER NAME
LOCATION USA
VIEWS 4

Videos: 1939 Packard 1708 Touring Sedan

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1939 Packard 1708 Touring Sedan
1939 Packard 1708 Touring Sedan
VIN 1234-2078
BODY STYLE Sedan
FUEL Gasoline
MILES 54,166
GEARBOX 3-Speed Manual
DOORS 4
INT COLOR Tan
EXT COLOR Black
YEAR 1939
LOCATION Phoenix, AZ
PRIVATE SALE STATUS
SELLER
VIEWS 4

Packard Twelve

Interesting Fact: The Packard Twelve was only in production from 1933 to 1939 and was a range of V12 luxury vehicles that were built by the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit. This vehicle originally features a standard bodywork, that signaled an industry wide decline in custom bodywork. There is a powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine…
Interesting Fact: The Packard Twelve was only in production from 1933 to 1939 and was a range of V12 luxury vehicles that were built by the Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit. This vehicle originally features a standard bodywork, that signaled an industry wide decline in custom bodywork. There is a powerful 7.3-liter V12 engine used in the Packard Twelve that gives the vehicle 160 horsepower at 3200 rpm, making it a powerful model for its day and age. A shorter wheelbase version of the Packard Twelve known as the Model 1005 was available in ten different body styles ranging from a generic two-seater hardtop to a five-seater sedan. Moderate changes were made each year, but the 1937 Twelve was the models most popular year with 1,300 being built. A unique piece of history from one of the older models, however, is that U.S. president Franklin Roosevelt gave Joseph Stalin an armored Packard Twelve which became one of Stalin’s favorite cars. Due to its deep history and respectable performance, the Packard Twelve has gone down as one of America’s classic cars!

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