Packard! That sturdy last name evokes understated excellence in American automotive design and manufacturing. It’s also an unfortunate, oft-told tale – a company that made exalted automobiles, survived the great depression, but couldn’t weather the storm that was the post-war leviathan of the Big Three. Today’s subject, courtesy of Tony P., is a 1939 Model 120 coupe, and an example from happier times for Packard. It has been sitting for 47 years and has an obvious issue or two, but all in all, it looks pretty solid. Those with an interest will find this stylish coupe located in Savannah, Georgia, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $8,500.
I’ll admit it right up front, I admire Packards but am by no means an expert. (I’d ask the man who owns one, but I don’t know any…) Anyhow, the seller refers to this coupe as a Model 110, but research tells me that the 110 was produced in 1940 and 1941. The Model 120, however, made the scene in ’35-’37, and then again from ’39 through ’41. If anyone can shed some light on this matter, please do so in the comments. Along with a Business Coupe configuration, Packard offered a two and four-passenger Club Coupe, two and four-door convertibles, and two and four-door sedans. The total 1939 Model 120 production volume exceeded 17K units, but no breakdown by model is available – at least that I could find. This coupe’s most obvious foible is the sizeable dent in the passenger side fender. Repairable? perhaps. The rest of the body, including the very distinctive grill, looks OK. The seller tells us that this Packard’s long slumber has occurred over top of concrete, so that’s good news. The trim is all in place, and the chrome bits and running boards appear to be sound – I say “appear” as the listing images aren’t the best. I’d suggest one of this Packard’s defining style elements is its long, sloping rear deck and divided rear window.
The non-running engine is a 125 gross HP, 282 CI, in-line eight-cylinder unit married up to a three-speed manual transmission. Once again, we’re trying to get a powerplant glimpse via a distant and not comprehensive image. What can be seen looks complete, but a more thorough inspection is necessary. It would be good to know if this big straight-eight would at least turn over by hand.
As with the engine compartment, the interior is poorly photographed – I’m trying to decide if the bench seat is still in place. The instrument panel looks OK, but the one visible door panel appears to be degraded, and the floor covering looks like it’s missing. I’d also suggest some of the glass will need to be replaced.
This Packard 120 is a nice find, if for no other reason than its complete and not-messed-with condition. Hardly flashy, this coupe maintains a restrained presentation, and I prefer it that way. If I were interested in this car, I would try to keep it as original as possible, but how about you? Which way would you go with this Packard 120 coupe?
This is a classy car. Even with the unfortunate bump in the front fender and dull paint, you can still picture this beauty brand new with its first owner taking possession of it, proudly driving it home to show it off to their friends and neighbors. At least in my minds eye anyways. I’m hoping it gets saved, and restored.
It is a 6cyl not 8 as you said. Wish I still had my ‘37 120.
Hey Jim, you can ask me. I owned a ’50 Packard limousine while in highschool. And lemme
tell Ya’, what a fine car they were
too. The straight 8 engine was
smooth, powerful, and quiet. You
could set a glass of water on the
hood and it wouldn’t spill. And if
you didn’t have the water, you could take a quarter or a half dollar, set it on end, and it wouldn’t fall off the hood. And the ride? Smooth and floaty– like
sleeping in your girlfriend’s arms.
You just couldn’t beat it! The seats remind you of a high end sofa. Speed demons they were
not, but excellent highway cruisers? Most definitely. They
would do 70 MPH all day long
sipping surprisingly little fuel. Even a Packard like this one was the total package in its day. And
if you haven’t ridden in one, you
don’t know what you missed. I like the car, but our friend the seller is being skimpy with his/her photos of it. If Ya’ wanna
sell it quick, Ya’ gotta put it out
there so that a possible buyer can
see just they’re getting for their
hard earned money. And that dent? Nothin’ to write home to
Mother about. You can make it go bye bye with a hammer and
dolley or a dent puller. And while
you’re there, don’t forget adding
some turn signals so the morons
on the freeway know when you’re
gonna make a turn so you won’t
hit them and bang up that beautiful body. Where’s Howard?
He can tell you more then I can
about this than I can. If I can’t
have another Caddy, I think a
Packard would do.
I count 6 plug wires, not 8. The 110 is a 6-cylinder Packard.