Packard Twin Six History

Launched in May 1915 for the 1916 model year, the Packard Twin Six was among the first production cars in the world powered by a V12 engine — a 60-degree L-head twelve of about 424 cubic inches making roughly 88 hp. It was a sensation, demonstrating that a twelve could be smooth, tractable, and sold in real numbers.

The Twin Six established Packard at the very top of the American market and was favored by presidents and celebrities; a Twin Six carried President Harding to his inauguration. Roughly 35,000 were built before the line was replaced in 1923 by the more economical straight-eight. The name was revived in 1932 for Packard's new V12 flagship, soon renamed simply the Twelve.