1941 Packard 120 Series 1901 Convertible Coupe
Packard was never known for taking risks, and that's part of the marque's appeal today. The 120, which was smaller and less expensive than the senior Packard cars, was roughly equivalent to a Buick yet offered big car styling that's instantly recognizable. The tall grille with the Packard ridge at the top, long hood, and tasteful rounded bodywork all successfully blurred the lines between the 120 and its big brothers. The 120 was the car that saved Packard from the ravages of the Great Depression, and it turns out that they're some of the best driving Packard's of all.
For consignment, a 1941 Packard 120 Series 1901 convertible coupe, showing 57,497 which are not actual miles. Before World War II, owning a Packard was prestigious as they were known for high quality automobiles. Between 1939 and 1941, 17,647 total 120's were built with different body styles and prices ranged from $1,856 to $1,099.
Exterior
With its tall vertical ribbed chromed grille, bullet style headlights, turn signal housings, double guard bumper additions, and a smooth hood ornament, this stately car looks expensive and is finished in Laguna Maroon. The side grilles that flank the center are particularly unique and cross the seam line that bisects the fender and hood. A polished trim spear runs from the nose to the rear quarter and it's nice, but not perfect with some dings and tarnish in spots. Other trim includes horizontal hood vents and accent bars on the lower front and rear quarters, portraying forward movement and airflow. The tan canvas top is in nice condition and creates an enormous solid cover on the rear quarters, finally giving way to a small, rectangle rear window which leads to the waterfalling rear trunk, flanked by rod-like rear tail lights, over a straight scalloped chrome bumper. One Twenty is scripted in period font across the back while 15-inch wheels carry wide white walls and proper hubcaps to complete the original presentation. Imperfections include numerous scratches, paint chips, overspray and understory, and multiple shallow and deep scuffs.
Interior
Vertically stitched black leather inserts on the door panels are sandwiched by smooth leather on top and a carpeted footer and this stitched pattern is transferred to both the split bench in front and the rear bench and sidewalls. The textured leather on the seats shows some patina and looks a bit tired, but a good cleaning might bring them back to life as they are intact. The plastic steering wheel, however, has seen better days and is replete with cracks and fading. The dash itself is intact but a bit weathered and the deco style speedometer is fantastically period. A center grate is also in need of some restoration but the surrounding maroon paint is in fine condition. Any kind of interior trim or floor covering in and around the footwells is gone, leaving a blank slate for future embellishments and the trunk is also barren but clean. And huge.
Drivetrain
Pulling upward on either side of the cowl reveals a green patina'd 282ci inline 8 cylinder engine rated at 120 horsepower. A 2-barrel side draft carburetor is attached to the side and a rebuilt 3-speed manual transmission is on the back. This combination sends power rearward to a 4.09 geared rear axle. New drum brakes now occupy the front and rear.
Undercarriage
A solid X frame holds all the upper body and undercarriage workings to it, and all is looking very structurally sound with typical surface rust on axles, leaf springs and parts of exhaust, but wheel components are clean and glossy black as the front end has been rebuilt. Independent coil sprung front suspension is on front and leaf springs make up the rear suspension. A single piped exhaust is on for the exhale with a stock style muffler that leads to a tail pipe and rear exit via a chrome tip.
Drive-Ability
Despite the weathered and sparse componentry of the interior, it does provide a nice space with lots of room inside. Visibility with the top up has a steep learning curve, especially as there are no side mirrors, and of course, no reverse camera! But with the top down, the sky's the limit, literally. This sporty droptop started right up and accelerated, stopped, and handled nicely as a 1940's Packard sedan should, and the limited functional features worked as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Years have gone by since the Packard Automobile Company closed its doors but this example of the craftsmanship and quality lives on and still shines and shows nicely. This is a straight car that is a fantastic candidate for restoration and one you can drive before the heavy work gets started. It's also a fairly uncommon car in this configuration and warrants to be taken back to its former glory. But that's up to you!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
