1936 Packard 120 Series Sedan
"The beauty of the new Packard 120 for 1936 speaks for itself. Its lines, the distinguished lines that have identified Packards for more than 30 years, these tell you the car will always have Packard smartness, will always stand out from the crowd. But what that picture cannot show is that this new 120 is just as thoroughly a Packard in every other way. Years after the last payment has been paid and forgotten, your Packard 120, because of its Packard quality and Packard lines, will still be thrilling to drive, and thrilling to own." From one of the many print ads for 1936 Packards.
For consignment, a 1936 Packard 120 series sedan with a title verified 41,689 actual miles and according to our consignor, 39,060 of those miles were in California where this car originated. Since coming East about 10 years ago, the car has undergone some cosmetic improvements inside and out, as well as mechanical maintenance that has resulted in a well running machine.
Exterior
With its tall vertical ribbed stained chrome grille, bullet style headlights, teardrop turn signal housings, and single wide bar chrome bumper with guards along with the standard hood ornament/radiator cap leads the way on this large and expensive looking automobile. All surfaces are bathed in Packard Cream with a slight tone different from the engine cover and front fenders to the rest of the body. The long side vented hood with ornate trim makes its way back to 4 nicely aligned doors with several pinstripes that run the length. All the windows have rounded corners, and this sweeping design carries over to the humpbacked trunk which has a wonderful, arched rear glass just above. Small round tail lights are on either side of a second storage door and just below another wide curved bumper with modest Packard badge in the center. Wide whites wrap 16-inch body matched steel wheels that have Packard badged dish center covers appearing on all 4 corners, connected visually by a wide black running board. Imperfections include cracked paint in several areas and areas of bubbling.
Interior
A new LeBaron Bonney interior graces this Packard, beginning with smooth tan broadcloth which mixes with a carpeted lower section on the four door panels, enhanced with decorative piping. This material makes its way to the lofty front bench and the opulent rear seat that provides foot and arm rests for the ultimate lap of luxury. Up front the original dash in all its art deco styling and gray/brown painted metal splendor with embossed bezels framing the original white faced instruments. In the center are several bakelite knobs and buttons along with the ignition switch and ash receptacle, while in front of the passenger is a round clock sitting within the glovebox door. A heater box is noted below the dash and a modern gauge to monitor water temperature has been added. The steering wheel is a functional sculpture with tapered spokes leading to a grooved rim. Topping off this regal interior is thick tan carpet at our feet and a tan headliner that is fully intact. The two storage compartments in the back are clean and covered in black carpet.
Drivetrain
Pulling upward on either side cowling reveals the driver quality green 282ci inline 8 cylinder engine, producing, you guessed it, 120 horsepower! A 2-barrel carburetor is onboard, and a 3-speed manual transmission is on the back sending power to a 4.09 geared rear axle. The drum brakes on all four wheels received new brake hoses, wheel cylinders, and brake shoe linings.
Undercarriage
A big solid X frame holds all the upper body and undercarriage working to it, and all is looking very structurally solid with a liberal coating of surface rust. Independent coil sprung front suspension which is seen, and on back are leaf springs. The single exhaust enters a stock style muffler with some heavy pitting in the rust of the shell and tracks all the way to the back where a decorative chrome deflector covers the steel tip.
Drive-Ability
We were warned this car does not like the cold but here we are mid-winter and she starts up with very little protest and delivers a smooth and quiet ride around our short test loop. The new brakes do their part to slow this 3,600 pound, (approximate), behemoth and all features provided in this fine car work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
In a bold ad campaign in 1936, Packard boasted about the popularity of their cars, dedicating single ads to particular locations where "Packards are Preferred". The towns included Washington D.C., Westchester, New York, Pasadena, California, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Chicago's North Shore. In each ad, stately homes in these areas were illustrated, often with a Packard parked in a circular driveway. No matter where you live or what your house looks like, this Packard is going to look amazing in front, and even better in the garage! Here's a chance to own one of the best of the best and if you don't believe us, do what Packard suggested in all their ads, "ask the man who owns one".
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
