Last updated on December 25, 2025
Today’s car is the 1933 Packard Model 1006 Twelve Victoria by Dietrich, driven by Matt Goist, curator of the Singleton Collection in Costa Mesa, CA, which I photographed at the Manhattan Beach Cars & Coffee event at The Point in El Segundo, CA. This prewar Packard is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and desirable American classics ever built, distinguished by its elegant Dietrich coachwork and signature vee-windshield, a hallmark design element that adds both drama and sophistication to the car’s profile.
Chassis 1006-22 was first delivered to a Packard distributor in Hartford, Connecticut, and remained in that region until 1950, when it was purchased by Frank Akutowicz. He took the Packard with him to college in Pennsylvania, and in 1953 responded to an ad in Motor Trend placed by Armin “Mitty” Mittermaier, who was searching for a 1932–1934 Packard Dietrich Victoria.
After enjoying the Packard for several years, Armin began its first restoration. Thanks to the car’s remarkable originality, he was able to retain all of its original wood and major components. Once completed, the Dietrich Victoria became a literal showpiece in the Mittermaier’s new home, displayed in a specially designed dinning room where friends could sit admire it. Mitty treasured the Packard there until his passing in 1993.
In 1997, the car was sold from that viewing room to Otis Chandler, who had pursued it for years. Chandler immediately commissioned a full frame-off restoration by our good friend, now-retired Bob Mosier of Mosier Restoration, a highly respected marque expert known for concours-quality work. The Packard still presents as freshly restored today, a testament to Bob’s craftsmanship and to the exceptional condition of the car itself. It went on to win Best of Show at the 2002 Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance and earned two 100-point scores from the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), achieving Senior status.
The car is finished in Brewing Beige with tan premium leather interior, accented by Burl Walnut trim, a tan top, and a matching top boot. Beneath the coachwork lies Packard’s legendary twelve-cylinder powerplant. Packard originally developed this engine in 1932 and introduced it as the Twin Six. The market, however, failed to grasp that it was a twelve-cylinder automobile, with many assuming the name still referred to a six-cylinder car. Recognizing the confusion, Packard rebranded the model in 1933 simply as the Packard Twelve, a move that firmly positioned the car at the pinnacle of the American luxury market.
Power comes from a 160 hp, 445.5 cu. in. V-12, a 67-degree L-head engine equipped with a single 2-barrel Stromberg EE-3 downdraft carburetor, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission and a 4.41:1 rear axle ratio. Slowing this beauty down are cable-operated drum brakes with variable vacuum assistance. The front suspension is independent, using A-arms, coil springs, and shock absorbers, while the rear suspension features a live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and hydraulic lever-type shock absorbers. The result is an automobile that blends refinement, performance, and presence in equal measure.
Total 1933 Packard production is estimated at approximately 6,750 automobiles across all body styles, of which roughly 540 were Twelve-cylinder models. Within that rare group, only three were Model 1006 Twelve Convertible Victorias, and just one was ever bodied by Dietrich, making it a true one-off. The base MSRP for the Packard Twelve in 1933 was $6,070. While no official performance figures exist for this Dietrich-bodied car, its capabilities were demonstrated in 1953 when second owner Frank Akutowicz proved it could reach 60 mph on the Packard Proving Grounds. Matt confirms that the Packard still cruises effortlessly at 60 to 65 miles per hour, a testament to both its engineering and its continued roadworthiness.
While this concours automobile fits comfortably within the upper echelon of Concours d’Elegance machinery, it was equally at ease among the diverse mix of older hot rods, classic customs, European classics, one-of-a-kind customs, modified Japanese Domestic Market vehicles, and modern exotic supercars at this local Cars and Coffee gathering.
Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Frank
