1936 Packard 120 Touring Sedan

9927611

22,516

282-cu.in. L-head straight-eight

Manual

Maroon

Tan cloth

Private

Reserve

Despite the Depression, Packard took a significant gamble by entering the savagely competitive mid-priced market with the 120 in 1935. Did it pay off? Consider that in its first year, more than 25,000 copies of the 120 were built, outstripping all other Packard models combined. And the following year’s production, which included this five-passenger Touring Sedan, more than doubled the 1935 total, with 55,042 examples of the 120 built in 1936.

This 1936 Packard 120 Touring Sedan has spent much of its life in the dry climes of the Canadian prairies, and has been under the same ownership since 1992. A thorough body-off restoration was completed in 2017. The mechanical systems of the car were rebuilt at the same time. The seller describes this as a turnkey car that can be driven immediately, and one that has never displayed rust.

POWERTRAIN

The “120” in the 120 model range referred to both its wheelbase and its engine output. The 120’s L-head straight-eight had a base compression ratio of 6.5:1, received its fuel mixture from a Stromberg carburetor, and was rated at 120 horsepower. The seller believes the engine is original to the car, he does say that the engine was rebuilt at the time of the car’s restoration. It has a new wiring harness but retains its original six-volt electricals. The engine is said to start immediately, produce good power, does not overheat and produces no smoke. The original radiator has been flushed and cleaned, and is said to be in good condition. The car runs on its original mechanical fuel pump, but an electric fuel pump has been fitted as a backup, along with a new exhaust system. The fuel tank was renewed, with a new sending unit and new lines installed. The three-speed manual transmission and rear end have both been rebuilt and fitted with new seals. The transmission is said to have good clutch action and changes gears without issues. Only very minor weeps are reported from the driveline. The engine bay has been detailed and presents as stock and spotless.

EXTERIOR

The seller says this Packard has never experienced rust during its lifetime. The body is said to have been in very good condition before it was stripped during the restoration. While the seller says some metal work was performed, the Packard is said to retain all of its original sheet metal, plus a roof insert that is described as being in very good condition. The new basecoat/clearcoat paint is described as excellent, with only a few minor chips. Beltline pinstripes have been applied. The car is fitted with optional dual sidemounts that have factory locks.

New, lightly tinted glass has been installed throughout. The seller says that most of the car’s exterior chrome has been refinished and remains in show condition, with correct red and black detailing. All six wheels have restored original hubcaps and stainless trim rings. All the exterior lighting, including aftermarket turn indicators, is functional. The original frame is described as damage-free; it was sandblasted before being primed and painted. The Packard’s underside presents as nearly spotless.

INTERIOR

The passenger cabin of this Packard had its interior cloth restored with original-pattern materials and stitching from SMS Auto Fabrics. They appear to remain in excellent condition, with no tears, soiling or visible signs of wear. The carpeting was also new as of the restoration, and is correctly covered up front by a rubber mat. Rear-seat passengers have carpeted footrests and a robe rope. The headliner, sun visors and windlace are all described as in very good condition, although the dome light’s mounting is askew.

The steering wheel is acceptably good, and factory instruments are in place and look to be in very good unrestored condition. All are working, except for both the factory fuel gauge and the aftermarket replacement gauge under the dashboard. The original control knobs and interior trim are present and said to be in good shape. The clock does not work, but the original factory radio is functional, and this Packard has an original factory heater that is still in working condition. The upper trunk compartment is carpeted and paneled, while the lower compartment has a rubber mat.

CHASSIS

The seller says that the original front coil springs and rear leaves maintain the Packard’s proper stance. The steel disc wheels have hand-painted dual pinstripes, and mount new Firestone Deluxe Champion wide whitewalls. New front-end bushings and rubber components have been installed. The manual steering box has been rebuilt. The brake system was also fully rebuilt with turned drums, new linings, and replacement hoses and lines.

DOCUMENTATION

This Packard has a clean title, and the seller says transportation from Canada to the United States can be arranged. Documentation includes an original owner’s manual and shop manual, plus a reproduction owner’s manual, accessory booklet, and an extra set of NOS contact points and distributor rotor. This 1936 Packard 120 Touring Sedan can seat five comfortably, cruise without complaint, and bears the always-august Packard pedigree.

PHOTOS