Here’s a rare look inside the mighty Packard V12, from teardown and cleaning to dyno testing and installation. Don’t miss this, motorheads.
The Packard Twelve of 1932-39 is one of the great engines of the Classic Era. Utterly smooth and silent, the mighty V12 delivered an effortless 160 horsepower from 445.5 cubic inches (later upgraded to 473 cubic inches and 175 horsepower). Highly advanced for its period, the Twelve boasted an asynchronous 67-degree bank angle, hydraulic valve silencers, and a hybrid modified L-head layout with nearly horizontal valves. Barely a few thousand examples of the Packard Twelve were manufactured over the eight-year production run, for use in the company’s grandest and most exclusive models.
Thanks to Restore Cars in Castle Rock, Colorado and proprietor Mark Clayton, we have a rare glimpse inside one of these exceptional engines. In this nicely produced video, we walk along as a 1935 example undergoes complete remanufacturing, providing us with a closeup view of the wonderful details, including the massive V12 block casting, compact combustion chambers, and distinctive valve layout.
Unlike many vintage restoration shops, Restore Cars is fully equipped with the latest machine tools—a huge financial investment—and no corners are cut at any step of the rebuilding process, from teardown and inspection to final assembly and testing, on both the engine and chassis dynos. This is how it should be done, folks. Enjoy the video.
What a fantastic machine shop. The work must pay very well.
Restore Cars of Castle Rock, Colorado and proprietor Mark Clayton are a true treasure.
I have had the pleasure of visiting the facility and it it is most impressive. Thank you to Mac’s Motor City Garage for this posting and Hello to Mark Clayton from an 82 year old auto enthusiast in Missouri.See you on the road. Jonathan B. Richards II.
I have discovered this clip before but watched it again. Very well done, better machined than original and Aries pistons should be a lot better.
Only thing that worries me is the repair of the butchered components. Welding rods and cranks is not what should happen as the different materials are never 100% compatible. Though I guess you cannot trot down to your Packard dealer for new ones!
There is a couple of these cars here in South Oz. One an old resto and the other very recent. Both lovely cars.
This job would have to be a vcery expensive one as the labor alone would be substansial yet alone reclaiming rods and crank plu custom valves and pistons etc. Way too much for me!! I will have to stick to Ford and GM 60s and 70s products.
Very interesting video, and pretty easy to follow along what is happening. Way, way above my skill set. Great post.