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2015 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
10

1938 Packard 120 Sedan (RHD)

$27,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 8-cylinder, 282-cid
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Maroon
Interior Beige
Trim Cord / Cloth
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

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, 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. For 1938 Packard renamed the 120 the Eight and increased the wheelbase from 120 to 127-inches on the 1601 model (with the longer 148-inch 1602 model reserved for custom bodywork). Both the frame - with its rigid X-member construction, advanced suspension and hydraulic brakes - and all-steel bodywork were new to the Junior models in 1938. Under the streamlined bonnet, Packard's 282-cid straight eight benefited from an increase in compression but output remained unchanged at 120 horsepower. No less than twelve factory body styles were catalogued for the Eight, with prices rising from $1225 for the Business Coupe to $5100 for the most expensive Rollston Brougham. The Art-Deco inspired interior was beautifully finished, the symmetrical dashboard featuring a speedometer (flanked by additional gauges) and clock evenly spaced, with vertical and horizontal chrome embellishments. Due to the difficult economic climate, sales fell in 1938 and just 22,624 Eights were built that year. 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".