Page 29 - Sample pages "Raymond Henri Dietrich" by Necah S. Furman

acknowledgement of Dietrich’s significant contribution to the basic design. The Packard Twelve with body by Dietrich, Inc., as modified by Packard, would be accorded at the Century of Progress Exposition the honor of being designated “the finest example of a modern day automobile.” 77
The eye-catching interior appointments were exceptionally beautiful with gold-plated steering column, instruments, and body hardware. A cabinet of modernistic design, made of burled Carpathian elm, was built into the back of the front seat. On the right side, a drop door could be lowered to become a dressing table with mirror and holder for a gold vanity box. The left side of the cabinet contained a lavish bar with drop door that converted into a glass table, complete with gold cups and containers for liquid refreshments.78
Other appurtenances included a loudspeaker for the radio, an electric clock, and a smoking case containing lighter and ash tray. The upholstery was made of fine English broadcloth with a sheared beaver rug. Indirect lighting fixtures completed the interior design. The exterior finish, which sported a new pearlescent color called Sun Glow Pearl, gleamed with golden-bronze highlights shading from pearl to a
reddish-brown depending on the angle of light. Unsurprisingly, the car won every automotive prize at the Exposition.79
After the Eleventh Series cars were introduced, the Car of the Dome was updated with a new rear bumper design, tail lights, flared spears on the hood, and cowl vent doors. Subsequently, the car was presented as part of what B. D. Easling, Philadelphia Advertising Manager, called a traveling “tour of many triumphs.” The entourage of six to seven cars selected from the Philadelphia Automobile Show centered around the Car of the Dome and was transported from Allentown, Pennsylvania and then to dealerships beyond. When the Car of the Dome was snowbound and lost in freight for two days, merchandisers shrewdly increased public interest by posting its fate and eventual progress along the way. The Packard Inner Circle even recorded photographically its eventual sale in 1934 to Thomas M. Flanagan of Reading, Pennsylvania.80
When Packard ushered in its Twelfth Series, the individuality long associated with the designs of Ray Dietrich was phased into the production line. The classic Dietrich belt line, characteristic
255 THE PACKARD-MURRAY-DIETRICH AXIS
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