The 1922 Packard Twin Six represents an extraordinary chapter in American motoring history, from an era when engineering excellence, craftsmanship and prestige defined the world’s finest automobiles. Built by the renowned Packard Motor Car Company of Detroit, the Twin Six was among the pioneering production automobiles to feature a V12 engine, establishing Packard as one of America’s most respected luxury motor car manufacturers. At a time when many motorists were still becoming accustomed to relatively basic four-cylinder machines, the Twin Six offered a level of refinement, smoothness and sophistication that was truly remarkable.

Introduced in 1915, the Packard Twin Six quickly became a symbol of wealth, achievement and engineering innovation. Its magnificent 6.9-litre V12 engine was designed to deliver exceptionally smooth, effortless performance, while its substantial chassis, elegant coachwork and beautifully appointed interiors reflected the highest standards of the period. These were automobiles built for discerning owners who demanded considerably more than mere transportation. By 1922, the Twin Six had reached the final year of its original production run, marking the conclusion of one of Packard’s most influential early models.

Today, the 1922 Packard Twin Six stands as a magnificent reminder of the golden age of American luxury motoring. Its imposing proportions, distinctive period styling and impressive mechanical engineering make it an exceptional example of early automotive craftsmanship. More than a century after leaving the factory, surviving examples are increasingly appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts who recognise their historical importance, rarity and enduring elegance. The Twin Six is not simply a vintage motor car; it is a tangible connection to an extraordinary period when Packard’s reputation was built upon the uncompromising pursuit of quality and engineering excellence.

STUNNING CONDITION | MAGNIFICENT V12 | BESPOKE COACHWORK | EXTENSIVELY RESTORED

The Packard Twin Six represents one of the great achievements of America’s early luxury motor industry. By the 1920s, Packard had established an enviable reputation for engineering excellence, refinement and craftsmanship, placing the marque among the world’s most prestigious automobile manufacturers. At the heart of the Twin Six was Packard’s celebrated V12 engine, an exceptionally advanced power plant for its era, delivering the smooth, effortless performance expected by the most discerning motorists of the day.

Owning a Packard during this period was a statement of considerable wealth, prestige and achievement. These were expensive, beautifully engineered automobiles built for wealthy industrialists, prominent businessmen and society’s elite. More than a century later, surviving examples remain a fascinating connection to the pioneering years of luxury motoring, representing an era when quality, individuality and craftsmanship were paramount.

The example offered here is a particularly interesting circa 1922 Packard Twin Six Series III 3-35 Sportster, combining Packard’s substantial 136-inch wheelbase chassis and magnificent V12 engine with beautifully executed, bespoke New Zealand-built coachwork. Extensively restored over several years by highly experienced craftsmen, including former Rolls-Royce specialists, this remarkable automobile offers a distinctive combination of historical significance, sporting elegance and individuality.

VEHICLE DETAILS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Year: Circa 1922
• Make: Packard
• Model: Twin Six Series III 3-35 Sportster
• Engine: Packard Twin Six V12
• Chassis / Frame Number: 12051
• Body Number: 20476
• Engine Number: 163594
• Coachwork: Bespoke New Zealand-built Sportster body
• Condition: Extensively restored and beautifully presented
• Odometer: Reading in miles
• Documentation: Extensive photographic restoration history, original import documentation and Vintage Car Club authenticity statement

HISTORY & RESTORATION

Originally imported into Auckland from Texas in 1992, this Packard arrived in New Zealand as a barn find, together with another Packard automobile. What followed was an extensive restoration and coachbuilding project undertaken throughout the 1990s and early 2000s at the Monterey Park Museum restoration workshop in New Zealand.

The restoration was carried out to an impressive standard, with considerable attention devoted to the construction and finishing of the bespoke bodywork. Of particular interest is the involvement of two highly experienced English craftsmen who had previously worked together for Rolls-Royce in the United Kingdom before relocating to New Zealand. Their coachbuilding expertise is evident in the finished automobile, which successfully combines the grandeur of Packard’s original chassis with the more sporting character of its individually designed body.

The front section of the coachwork is understood to have been modelled on the Packard 3-35 Twin Six Roadster, while the rear bodywork was specially designed and fabricated during the New Zealand restoration. The result is an elegant and beautifully proportioned Sportster, with a long bonnet, imposing stance and flowing lines that remain sympathetic to the original period design.

An especially interesting feature is the purpose-designed compartment behind the front seats for carrying golf clubs, a distinctive and practical touch that adds further individuality to this unique coachbuilt automobile.

RESTORATION & PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Extensively restored and re-bodied in New Zealand during the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Restoration undertaken at the Monterey Park Museum restoration workshop.
• Bespoke coachwork constructed by experienced craftsmen, including two former Rolls-Royce specialists.
• Front body styling inspired by the original Packard 3-35 Twin Six Roadster.
• Individually designed and fabricated rear Sportster coachwork.
• Beautifully proportioned sporting body, sympathetic to the original Packard chassis.
• Purpose-designed golf club storage compartment behind the front seats.
• Beautifully presented paintwork and bodywork, reflecting the considerable craftsmanship invested in the restoration.
• Packard’s magnificent Twin Six V12 engine runs well.
• Overall, a well-restored and impressive example, with some minor upholstery work still required in the dickey seat area.
• Extensive photographic documentation recording the restoration and bespoke coachwork construction.

Importantly, the extensive photographic record accompanying the vehicle provides valuable insight into the quality, workmanship and extent of the restoration. Such documentation is particularly desirable with an individually coachbuilt automobile, offering future custodians an understanding of the vehicle’s history and the work undertaken.

A REMARKABLE MOTOR CAR WITH GENUINE PRESENCE

There is something undeniably special about a motor car of this scale and presence. With its beautifully proportioned Sportster coachwork, sweeping bonnet, substantial chassis and magnificent detailing, this Packard attracts attention wherever it goes. It is elegant without being overly formal and sporting without losing the grandeur expected of one of America’s greatest luxury marques.

Its appeal, however, extends well beyond its appearance. Beneath that impressive bodywork sits Packard’s legendary Twin Six V12 engine, an extraordinary piece of early automotive engineering. Combined with the bespoke New Zealand coachwork, fascinating restoration history and the involvement of former Rolls-Royce craftsmen, this is an automobile with a personality and story very much its own.

More than a century after its original chassis was manufactured, simply encountering a Packard Twin Six is unusual. Finding one with this combination of distinctive coachwork, presentation and documented restoration history makes it an especially interesting proposition for the discerning collector.

OWNERSHIP & ENJOYMENT

Perhaps most importantly, this is a motor car to be enjoyed. Complete the remaining finishing details, attend to any mechanical tuning required and experience the pleasure of driving something completely different from almost anything else on the road.

Whether displayed at prestigious motor shows, entered in vintage rallies and concours events, enjoyed at club gatherings or simply taken out for a memorable Sunday drive, this magnificent Packard offers an ownership experience that few modern automobiles could ever replicate.

For the established collector seeking something beyond the predictable classics, or the enthusiast who appreciates genuine craftsmanship, historical significance and individuality, this remarkable Twin Six presents a fascinating opportunity. Rare, imposing and full of character, it is a motor car worthy of preservation, appreciation and, above all, enjoyment.

IMPORTANT SALE & COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis and is currently uncomplied and unregistered in New Zealand.

For the benefit of prospective purchasers, the following information is provided:

• The vehicle is being sold in its present condition, without New Zealand compliance or registration.
• Accompanying documentation includes import papers from Texas.
• A Historic Motor Vehicle Authenticity Statement issued by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand is also available.
• These documents provide supporting historical information that may assist the new custodian with the VIN assignment, certification and compliance process.
• New Zealand purchasers are responsible for arranging and completing all necessary certification, compliance and registration requirements at their own expense.
• For international purchasers, the New Zealand compliance and registration requirements outlined above are not applicable.

An extraordinary opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored, individually coachbuilt Packard Twin Six, combining one of America’s most celebrated early luxury chassis and V12 engines with distinctive sporting coachwork and an unusually well-documented New Zealand restoration history.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.