“Original Creations by Master Designers” was the phrase Packard used in 1926 to announce its inauguration of series custom cars designed by custom coachbuilders. This convertible limousine sedan has a custom body by Dietrich and is 1 of 27 1935 Model 1208 convertible limousine’s originally built. 1935 production for the Model 1208 totaled 788 units.
In 1932 Packard’s new Twin Six arrived with 160 horsepower (hp). That same year Packard production tumbled to 9,010 units, reaching a low of 6,265 units in 1934. To compensate for lack of sales, Packard successfully introduced a Junior Packard’s line in 1935. The Junior had a price range of $980 to $1095. The company would not have survived the Depression without this product line.
The Packard slogan in 1935 spoke of confidence: “any of Packard’s 3 great cars could be driven at wide open throttle half way ’round the world in a single week without precision loss.” This 1935 convertible limousine has a top which folds down, a divider window, and the famous Packard Twin Six (V-12) engine from 1932. The car has hydraulic assist steering and brakes, but doesn’t easily turn nor stop very fast.