To many enthusiasts, the 1937 model year, known to the manufacturer as the Fifteenth Series, represents one of the high points of Packard’s pre-war design, and arguably one of the most striking of all Full Classic automobiles. The most prestigious of these cars was of course the 12-cylinder models, and few had as much brawn and brio as the coupe roadster, a sleek two-passenger convertible built on the 139-inch-wheelbase 1507 chassis. No other body style showed off the Fifteenth Series styling, including the smoothly raked radiator shell, exquisitely rounded fenders, and tapered headlights, to such magnificent effect. Understandably these have always remained some of the most sought-after of their kind, figuring into numerous important private collections.

Known history of the example offered here begins in 1953, when, according to its restorer Fran Roxas, it was acquired by Walt Dietzel of Shawnee, Oklahoma. In 1967 Mr. Dietzel wrote longtime Fifteenth Series Packard historian Bob Supina, noting that the Packard was at the time in original condition. Interestingly, Mr. Dietzel’s correspondence with Mr. Supina, a copy of which is included in the file, notes that the car at the time had a full trunk rather than a rumble seat, as usually found and as presently configured.

The Packard remained in Mr. Dietzel’s ownership for 40 years, then was sold in 1993 to Donald Zerth of Lansing, Illinois. It was acquired by the present owners from Mr. Zerth in 2015 and restored thereafter by the noted Fran Roxas, for decades one of the foremost specialists in pre-war Packards, known for the outstanding and lasting quality of his workmanship. As part of this work the car was finished to its beautiful present appearance, in an authentic, subtly metallic and striking Fifteenth Series shade called Almond Green, with beige leather interior. The car retains what is believed to be its original vehicle number tag on the firewall, and is desirably equipped with dual sidemounted spares with metal covers and mirrors, rear luggage rack, and subtle “feathered bail” radiator cap. Throughout the Packard remains in excellent overall condition, with Mr. Roxas’s very high attention detail visible in the fit and finish of most every component.

This is a beautiful example of the 1507 Twelve Coupe Roadster, superbly restored and lovingly presented from the collection of a connoisseur of the marque.