This Packard allowed the company to get things going and once again, after the Great Depression, reach a high level of sales. This was achieved by producing a relatively affordable car, under a brand of absolute luxury and quality. Just imagine – if in 1928 the company produced 50,000 expensive cars, in 1934 it produced only 7,000 cars. In 1935, the Model 120 tripled its sales, and in 1936, it doubled its sales relative to ’35. It was a success, for the first time in the history of the company and even in the history of mankind, it was possible to buy a new Packard for less than 1000 dollars.
The 1936 Packard 120 was technically even better than the larger and much more expensive cars of the brand. The new car received a front, independent suspension with double A-arms, as well as hydraulic brakes. On the big Packard hydraulic brakes appeared in 1937. Company president Alvan Macaulay invested 6,000,000 dollars in the creation of this car. The best specialists from GM, Ford and Chrysler were involved to work on the car. The car turned out to be very successful, – this was first of all evidenced by the level of sales. Packard 120 was used as a pacesetter in the Indianapolis 500 race. The index 120 appeared due to the wheelbase.
1936 Packard 120 came out at the same time as the twelve-cylinder Lincoln Zephyr. Both cars were successful and sold well. Though in the longer term, the relatively affordable cars that Packard produced under its primary and only brand hurt the company’s image. The Model 120 allowed the brand to overcome the harsh effects of the Great Depression.
The price and value of the 1936 Packard 120.
In 1936 the price of the Packard 120 was 980 – 1095 dollars. Such a Packard was even a little cheaper than a twelve-cylinder Lincoln Zephyr. For the money that was asked for the Model 120, you could buy two Ford Model 18s.
Appearance and photos.
Note that there is no duffel box in the rear of the car. On the Packard sedan, a full, familiar today, trunk compartment is present. The logo on the trunk lid is stamped – Packard 120. The wheels are stamped, and their hubcaps have the company’s name on them. The company’s name can also be seen on the rear bumper, or on the side mirror housings. I want to draw your attention that there is a one-piece windshield.
As on the older models, there are special louvers in the radiator grille, which are opened and closed with the help of pneumatic drive.
Turn indicator bulbs are built into the main headlights. The gas tank cap is built into the rear, right fender.
This Packard doesn’t feature aerodynamic body shapes like the Lincoln Zephyr, but it is a handsome machine with integrated fenders. In any of the body styles offered, the Packard 120 looks distinctly modern for a car of the late 20s and early 30s. The wide sills were still in place at the time. They provided comfortable getting in and out of the car.
Interior and equipment.
The rear doors open against the traffic, the front doors open in the direction of travel. A large clock is built into the glove box cover in front of the front passenger. The front panel could be finished in wood. The rim of the steering wheel is also made of this, natural material.
A special lever under the front panel opens the ventilation flap under the windshield. In the driver’s footwell, to the right of the steering column, there is an electric heater with a fan.
The interior of the 1936 Packard 120 provides a high level of comfort and coziness. For many who may have previously driven a Ford, the Model 120 was an entry ticket into the world of luxury cars. Were it not for this car, a great many people would never have been able to own a Packard.
Engine and specifications of the 1936 Packard 120.
Under the hood of the Packard car was installed inline, eight-cylinder engine. This is a conventional layout engine. At the time, Cadillac and Lincoln had long been using V8 engines. Obviously, Packard was going the traditional route. It is worth recalling that the first production car with a V12 engine was a Packard – model 1915 Twin Six.
The 1936 Packard 120 engine was powered by a Stromberg carburetor. With a compression ratio of 6.5:1, the 4.2 liter engine produced 110 horsepower. The same power as the V12-powered Lincoln Zephyr. With a three-speed manual transmission, the Packard could accelerate to 100km in 19 seconds and reach a top speed of 136km per hour. The engine was equipped with an aluminum block head and aluminum pistons.
In 1937, the engine displacement was increased to 4.6 liters, and power was increased to 120 horsepower at 3,800 rpm.
Another innovation was the use of spring suspension at the front.
Despite the fact that it was not a flagship model, the Packard 120 had enough attributes inherent in expensive cars. It was the Packard that you could see not only on TV, but also in your neighbor’s yard.
Leave a Reply