The ‘Magnificent Six’
A half dozen immaculately restored Packard Twelves from The JBS Collection received a reception befitting royalty at London’s Hampton Court Palace Concours of Elegance, September 2-4, 2022.
The event marked the first occasion the rare Packards of The JBS Collection have been shown outside of the United States. The Twelves were produced between 1933 and 1938, each an example of LaVine Restorations‘ 100-point process for concours judging.
Jack Boyd Smith Jr., owner of The JBS Collection, was also honored at 2022’s historic Hampton Concours.
The Hampton Court Concours brings 60 classic and luxury automobiles from around the world for the three-day event. Many entrants also participate in a two-day touring concours immediately before the showcase.
The Collector Award, presented to Jack by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, was given in recognition of the former’s achievement in preserving and restoring luxury automobiles that would otherwise be lost to time.
The following six Packard ambassadors from The JBS Collection formed their own dedicated class at the London event.
1933 Packard Twelve Coupe
This 1933 Packard Twelve Coupe from The JBS Collection is one of only five ever manufactured and one of just two left in existence.
This model and year was the first run of the Packard Twelve, which succeeded the earlier Packard Twin Six. The car features a 7.3-liter, 160 bhp, V12 engine and was the only year that featured a unique foldout window design.
1934 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster
The 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster is one of collectors’ most sought-after make and models. And this example from The JBS Collection is even in Packard’s iconic shade of blue.
The first year of the Eleventh Series cars’ manufacture was 1934, arguably the most prestigious for the Packard design. Of the legendary run of 1930s coupe roadsters, only about 20 originals are thought to remain.
1934 Packard Twelve Formal Sedan
The JBS Collection’s 1934 Packard Twelve Formal Sedan is the third of our ‘magnificent six’ participating in the Hampton Court showcase.
With an imposing 141⅞ inch-wheelbase and the promise of 160 horsepower, this sedan is an example of the Eleventh Series models introduced that year. A roll-down window separates the driver and passenger compartments, crystallizing the car’s appeal to the business class.
1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria Dietrich Interior
This 1934 Packard Twelve 1107 Convertible Victoria Dietrich Interior features a LeBaron body – the only Victoria ever known to have a Dietrich custom interior. This car was also the first Packard model to offer a radio option, one of which our Victoria is in proud possession.
1936 Packard Twelve All Weather Cabriolet
Our 1936 Packard Twelve All Weather Cabriolet is the fifth of our ‘magnificent six’ Packards in attendance.
An especially treasured automobile in The JBS Collection, it was previously owned by silent film star Charlie Chaplin. This vehicle also appeared in the Academy Award-nominated blockbuster The Godfather: Part III and the hit 1980s TV series Remington Steele starring Pierce Brosnan.
1938 Packard Twelve 1607 Convertible Coupe
Finally, the 1938 Packard 1607 Twelve Convertible Coupe is possibly one of only eight still in existence.
Packard introduced a new design in 1938 with a more upright radiator, higher front fenders that “wrapped” around the side-mounted spare wheels, and a V-shaped windshield.
The JBS Collection’s 1938 Packard Twelve Convertible Coupe is the 24th of just 32 made that model year. In 1939, Packard discontinued production of the Twelve, with only 280 automobiles across 14 unique models ever made.
