In 1939 the Packard 120 was offered in two chassis lengths that were taken from the Packard Eight of 1938. These were the Model 1701 having 127 inches and the longer Model 1702 of 148 inches.
Two new options for 1939 were the column-shift gear lever called Handishift and the overdrive called Econo-Drive.
Sources & Further Reading
1. Kimes, Bevely Rae.Packard. A History of the Motor Car and the Company..Automobile Quarterly: 1978.
2. Coachbuilt.com.Darrin of Paris, 1937-1939
Story by Richard Owen
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1938 – 1939 |
| built at | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| predeccesor | 1938 Packard Eight Model 1601 |
| succeccesor | 1940 Packard One Twenty Model 1801 |
| engine | Inline-8 w/L-Cylinder Head |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Double Breaker Distibutor |
| block material | Cast Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Head |
| valvetrain | Side Valves |
| fuel feed | Downdraft Stromberg EE-16 |
| displacement | 4621 cc / 282 in³ |
| bore | 82.5 mm / 3.25 in |
| stroke | 114.3 mm / 4.5 in |
| compression | 6.41:1 |
| power | 89.5 kw / 120 bhp @ 3600 rpm |
| specific output | 25.97 bhp per litre |
| torque | 305.1 nm / 225 ft lbs @ 1800 rpm |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Ladder-Type Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | 16-Inch Steel Disc |
| steering | Worm & Roller |
| f suspension | Parallel Arm w/Coil Springs, Delco Shock Aborbers |
| r suspension | Solid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Delco Shock Aborbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| wheelbase | 3226 mm / 127 in |
| front track | 1504 mm / 59.2 in |
| rear track | 1524 mm / 60 in |
| transmission | 3-Speed Manual |
| final drive | 4.09:1 |
Auction Sales History
1939 Packard One Twenty Model 1701 Darrin Convertible Victoria B319346A –
This 1939 Packard 120 Darrin Convertible Victoria remains highly presentable, having undergone a restoration spanning the latter part of 2006 and early 2007. The restoration was primarily cosmetic in scope, with the Packard requiring only minor mechanical attention. Stripped to bare metal, the bodywork was thoroughly prepared, repainted, color-sanded and buffed. During the process, a section of original paint was discovered, so it was decided to repaint the Packard in its original yellow. A new tan convertible top and boot were fitted, and the burled wood dash was refinished. The burgundy leather interior continues to show quite nicely, having been installed during the prior restoration in 1999. Other features include a modern-era Lalique mascot and the original Packard radio (upgraded with solid-state internals).Although the early history of the car is unknown, a former owner was able to trace it back to 1981, when “Tiny” Gould brokered its sale from Mr. J.J. Thompson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the Imperial Palace Collection in Las Vegas. The Packard would change ownership two more times before it was treated to the aforementioned complete restoration in 1999 and then acquired by the next owner. In early 2007, the car joined a highly regarded private collection, where it has remained ever since.
Auction Source: 2010 Vintage Cars of Meadow Book by RM Auctions
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