1937 Packard 120C 'Straight Eight' Town Sedan

The patrician Packard straight eights are amongst the most coveted of all American classics, with superb engineering, wonderful styling and a build quality of the highest standard - for years the Packard was in a class of its own. That Packard were able to survive the Great Depression, a time when huge numbers of automobile manufacturers disappeared, and managed to sell relatively large numbers abroad is further proof of the inherent quality found in these cars. By the mid-1930s, with the luxury car market in general decline, Packard decided to expand their range to include a new mid-level model. Known as the 120, the new car was introduced in 1935 with the L-head straight eight and an extensive range of body styles catalogued. For 1937, Packard launched the smaller, cheaper Six and the 120 was offered in either C or CD configuration with an even greater choice of bodywork available, including a 'Woodie' station wagon and long-wheelbase limousine. The regular 120 was built on a 120-inch wheelbase frame with very rigid X-member construction, advanced suspension and hydraulic brakes. The 120 was powered by a 282-cid straight eight developing 120 horsepower at 3800 rpm and 50,100 units were made in 1937, the last year the model was offered. Packard's customers were a loyal bunch and this was reflected in their advertising slogan of the era, namely "Ask the man who owns one".