Automotively speaking, the U.S. had it all going on at one time. For example, Henry Ford’s Model T and the assembly line of interchangeable parts, the colossus that Willie Durant turned GM into, and of course, manufacturers like Packard who built such fine automobiles that the simple catchphrase, “Ask the man who owns one” sold them. Too much of this is behind us now but fortunately, we still have actual reminders of our great automotive past with examples like this 1940 Packard One-Twenty. This as-is original is located in Cedar Hill, Missouri and is available, here on craigslist for $15,000, obo. Thanks are due Rocco B. for this tip!
We’ve covered many Packards here on BF so traversing their depression-era survival and ignominious 1958 ending would be duplicative. Packard produced over 100K cars in ’40 with the One-Twenty accounting for 28K of that total. Body styles, besides the touring sedan such as our subject car, included two-door sedans, coupes, business coupes, convertibles, and a convertible sedan. This touring sedan isn’t finished in the most attractive color but it’s in sound and original condition. It’s been off the road for 40+ years so I would suggest that it has been well stored. There’s some “separation” going on beneath the grille at the bottom of its shell, but the grille itself and the auxiliary vent pieces positioned to either side are straight and unkissed. The bumpers look pretty fair too. Good to see is the iconic Packard “Goddess of Speed” hood ornament still perched right where it belongs – such a distinctive touch!
The listing states that the 120 HP (thus the car’s model name) turns over but doesn’t run. It’s a 282 CI, in-line eight-cylinder flathead powerplant and the seller adds, “engine used oil when last driven“. A three-speed manual transmission, the only one available, takes care of all things gear-related.
The interior isn’t well photographed but what can be spied, looks pretty good. The steering wheel has taken a beating over time as it is cracked and disintegrated. Still, the upholstery, dash, instrument panel, and rubber floor mat are all better than I would have expected to find on an 84-year-old car with a mileage reading that has at least exceeded 100K miles.
I would say that I hold Packards in high regard. I’ll also admit that I don’t want to own one but I sure hope there is someone who discovers the listing, wants to own this very original example, and has the wherewithal to return it to roadworthy status wouldn’t you agree?
Our resident Packard guru, Bill M. can explain it better, but the 120 was a very important car. Packard Senior cars were known for rubbing elbows with the elite, Caddy, Lincoln, Imperial, but was losing its grip, and the 120, and I believe the beginning of the Packard “Junior” series and was their answer to the Buick or Oldsmobile crowd. This car cost around $1050 new, a base Buick was just under a grand. I read, in 1936, over 55,000 120s were sold, its best year. I think with retro styling is gaining steam,,,again, this car screams originality, if it wasn’t for one little thing,,,the manual transmission. I don’t think one has to go the LS route, it’s not that kind of car, but a Slanty and Torqueflite, sittin’ back in that cushy seat with a big cigar( like my grandpa did),,,THIS is what motoring was all about. It’s just, we don’t need straight 8s that weigh 1,000 pounds anymore. All that said for nothing, as you know as well as I do, it’s a chrome fire breathing motor, clown wheels and puffy interiors that will win out here.
God I hope not. Anyone who would cut up this beautiful original car would spend their afterlife hanging from a barn side upside down with an iron spike driven their you know what. As to automatics, well you miss the whole driving experience, Refresh that magnificent old straight 8
Howard,
Good luck in getting a MoPaR slant 6 to fit and still close the hood sections! The engine compartment is just too narrow. Even a small V-8 will be a shoehorn effort.
J.O., There were 2 transmissions available in 1940, it was also the second year for the Borg-Warner overdrive, Packard called it Aero-drive. .
Should also point out that the B-W overdrive trans can be sourced, it’s easy to create a set of the parts needed, including the Packard accessory wiring harness for installing the OD, as it was a common addition when new. With the OD and the original lower number rear axle ratio, this car will cruise comfortably at 65. But do make sure the brakes are in good working order.
Unfortuneately, the hump back sedans of the 30’s, like this one, although more practical than the slope backs, to my mind, as a kid in the late 40’s, and still now, are the ugliest auto body design, no matter what the brand, of the century.
Sorta like they went potty in their pants eh? I actually like the way Chrysler handled it. I own a ’53 Citroen Traction Avant with the budging trunk, far less attractive than the flatbacks with the real spare tire in them (the French would never fake that) But I was’nt going to pass it up over that.
You’re right, Packard style after 1937 was tank like, humpy and clumsy. Unlike GM, where they gave the trunk lines some grace and purpose. Packard trunk lines in 1938 and on made the car look like it had been kicked in the rear, and never repaired !
Ken I always thought the General’s trunks were the worst and Chrysler’s were the best if not downright attractive
I own a 1940 Super 8 Senior Series. Everyones taste and views are different. So I have to agree to disagree.
Price is a fantasy today . . .
Sad, but true. A lot of car culture is based on owning, or restoring a car from one’s childhood memory. My mother was probably brought home from the hospital in a car like this? Her father had a circa1938 Brunn-bodied Packard 3-position town car. Strange tinted glass panels over the windshield. Not sure in was 8, or twin-six? Had some Hollywood connection. Race car driver Phil Hill had one,original owner a Schweppes beverage heiress. Gramps took the Packard as collateral on a loan, and drove it into the ’60s. Mom is gone now, and probably above us in either a celedon green’57 T-bird, or a ’79, silver Volvo station wagon.
Something tells me definitely the T-Bird
Used to see quite a few of these as a kid growing up in the 1960s. Many were owned by elderly folks who drove them sparingly and often kept them locked away in garages all over town, while others were driven into the ground as cheap used cars! You
could get a pristine example for $25-$50 but that was after the parts
supplies dried up. As for this guy, he’s reaching price wise. Sure, he’s
got a Packard, but 15K for a pre war
car now, he’s dreaming. Nice car though.