America's Packard Museum - 2023 - Part 3

A few more photos from my museum visit.

1936 Packard 120 Convertible Sedan

The One-Twenty, named after its 120-inch wheelbase, was introduced in 1935 with one goal: Make a Packard affordable. This idea was brought about by a market shift as the Great Depression slowed sales of expensive, coach-built cars. Meant to be a line production car, the 120 was smaller, lighter and came with the first hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension. The more expensive senior maintained the straight axle and mechanical brakes through 1936. This caused some dismay among elitist Packard owners, as some felt that the more expensive cars should carry all the improvements of the cheaper cars, if not more. Some claim that this car was the beginning of the end for Packard, but without the One-Twenty they would have met the same demise as many independent car manufacturers did in the 1930s. 1936 was the first year for the One-Twenty Convertible Sedan body.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 120 Convertible Sedan
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Engine: 282 cu. In. Straight Eight
Horsepower: 120 BHP @ 3800 rpm
-250 lb./ft torque @ 2000 rpm
Transmission: Three speed-manual
Brakes: Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Curb Weight: 3,660 lbs.
Price When New: $1,395

1937 Packard Twelve Touring Sedan

1937 was a significant change for the senior Packard’s, with independent front suspension hydraulic brakes, a steeper grille angle. This car was converted to run on either propane or gasoline early in its life. With the recent resurgence of alternative fuel and dual-fuel vehicles this car stands as a testament to the old-adage “There is nothing new under the sun!”

SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Twelve Touring Sedan
Wheelbase: 139 inches
Engine: 473 cu. In. V-12
Horsepower: 175 BHP @ 3200 rpm
-366 lb./ft torque @ 1400 rpm
Transmission: Three speed-manual
Brakes: Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Curb Weight: 5,255 lbs.
Price When New: $3,560