Rare 1917 Packard 2-25 Twin Six Runabout (Best in Show Winner)
A rare black 1917 Packard 2-25 Twin Six Runabout arriving at and leaving the 2025 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park, where it won Best in Show - Pre War. Introduced in 1915, Packard's Twin Six was the first production car powered by a V12 engine. This example, chassis no. 132571, is the only Second Series Runabout retaining its original factory body, chassis, tools, engine, and transmission. It was displayed at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it won First in Class (Vintage 1916-1928).
V12 engines are known for their incredible smoothness. And despite their weight, size, and fuel consumption, they can also give owners some nice bragging rights. Most of us can name numerous luxury cars and high-performance supercars that utilize V12s, but few would think as far back as the 1910s. Until I encountered this car, I had no idea V12s were used in cars this old, or that Packard actually built the world's first V12 production car. But like I've said before, one of my favorite things about antique cars is just how much I can learn from them. The decision to move the annual San Marino Motor Classic from June to August meant that some might be turned away by the typically warmer weather, but it also opened the door for those willing to brave the heat to encounter some very special cars fresh off the Pebble Beach lawn. Of course, I was crazy enough to identify with the latter group, even with this year's event being at the tail end of a triple-digit heat wave. And getting to see cars like this certainly made it all worthwhile! This car is impressive in basically every way, from its originality to its natural rubber "non-skid" tires, not to mention its engine. With V12s now (sadly) falling out of favor due to regulations pushing for greater efficiency, it represents the beginning of an innovation that has stirred the hearts of automotive enthusiasts for over a century. No wonder it beat out several pristine Duesenbergs, Packards, and other incredible pre-war wonders to take home the top award.
Do you think this Packard deserved the Best in Show award? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!