1936 PACKARD Model 120B Sedan

Here is a PACKARD ready to DRIVE to the PACKARD National Meet in Iowa, June 22-27, 2008.  A gorgeous PACKARD that has had a professional body-off restoration making it an extremely reliable, comfortable, and "showy" car.  PACKARDS are widely known for their ride, quality of materials, 9 main bearing engine, tradition, and prestige.  And above all, perhaps, was the fact that PACKARD benefited from advanced design and engineering that was a result of extensive testing. 

The PACKARD 120 was first introduced in 1935 denoting 120 inch wheel base and in 1936 coincidently 120 H.P.  The One Twenty, as it was known, had a massive rigid frame with a U-shaped channel center X-bracing reinforced.  PACKARD engineers produced their first mass produced independent front suspension with the One Twenty and called it "Safe-T-flex."  The engine in the 1936 One Twenty is 120 H.P. in-line 8, 282 cu. in. with 9 main bearings.  The body has 24 anchored points to chassis and being well insulated creates a very quiet down the road ride and feel.  Steering is fairly low ratio resulting in a light and yet confident feeling behind the wheel.  This car has been regularly toured and shown.

Some features of this One Twenty:

*  Full body-off restoration including engine, body, chassis, upholstery, most chrome, and paint which is PACKARD Tuscan Red Metallic, one of 15 colors available in 1936.  Used here is premium base coat, urethane, clear coated with added pearl.  Never any rust on this car.

*  Wire wheels.  PACKARD offered disk, painted or chromed wire wheels in 1936.  Here we have from Kanter, high quality chromed wire wheels used on later PACKARDS and in like new condition.

*  Excellent mechanics with all receipts.  Engine (No. 30,002) is whisper quiet, well balanced, detailed, hardened valve seats and very easy to work on and maintain.  The following parts are new or rebuilt:  Stromberg EE-14 carburetor, transmission, distributor, starter, generator with regulator, water pump, oil pump, mechanical fuel pump, clutch, thermostat, wheel/axle bearings & seals, and recored radiator.  Brake work was done and they work fine.

*  Gas tank was cleaned and repaired.  Shocks repaired by Apple Hydraulics.

*  The trunk rack is after market but designed specifically for PACKARDS.  An attractive accessory rack and trunk with fitted luggage inside which today is very valuable.  The trunk is hinged to fold away to allow easy access to the car trunk.

*  Upholstery is like new in wool and correct pattern from Hirsch.  Carpets are also like new.  Some liberty with originality was taken by installing carpet in the front area and trunk where heavy rubber would have been used originally.  All work done by highly respected and well known Accurate Trim of Ames, Iowa.

*  PACKARD fog lamps added and work.

*  An upscale PACKARD Goddess of Speed hood ornament is included in like new condition.

*  A new wiring harness which is complete and correct is installed.

*  The heater is a Deluxe Model with a summer time shut off valve & works very well.

*  An after market remote oil filter is added (NAPA 1050 filter).  Castrol 20w50 oil containing needed levels of zinc, phosphate, & magnesium for cars of this period is used in the crankcase.

*  An auxiliary electric fuel pump installed.

*  Tires are wide white Firestones from Coker and in good condition.

*  Head lamp illumination is sealed beam & recently improved thru the use of relays.

*  The mileage, 56,929, is believed to be original.

*  Woodgraining (Semi-process) was done professionally by Gerry Lillian.  Pinstripping also professionally done by Roger Kilborn.

*  Turn signals and seat belts are installed for safety.

*  Literature included is an owner's manual, shop manual, and other valuable material.

*  All detailed restoration receipts will be included.

The driver side window has a crack near the bottom.  The glass is flat and could be repaired locally.  Old inferior exterior mirrors were removed and new owners will want to install new ones. 

This has been a long, interesting, and time consuming restoration project that we are most proud.  It is very difficult to part with an old friend like this with so many fond traveling memories.  But, at our age it is time to part company.  PACKARD owners have a deep admiration and affection for one of the finest cars ever produced in the U.S.A.  Also check www.NADA.com for High Retail Value on this car which currently is placed at $38,400.  Our reserve is considerably less.

As PACKARD advertised, "Ask the man who owns one."