Vehicle Description
You're likely looking at this 1941 Packard 120 convertible because
you already know what it is. And if that's the case, you also know
that it's a bargain. Arguably the best-driving Packard of the early
1940s, the 120 was hardly a "bargain" Packard, because it's got all
the big car charm and looks, and for the moment, it's one of the
most affordable ways to get an eight-cylinder Packard convertible
of any kind.
Wearing proper Packard Black paint, this handsome coupe gets just
about everything right. Paint and bodywork are very presentable,
which, again, makes the price seem almost comically low. It's not a
"fixer-upper" it's ready to enjoy and while it's not perfect, it's
awfully danged nice when cruising down the road. The tall, narrow
Packard grille is a trademark, as are the flanking fender grilles
and body side moldings, all highlighted by the car-length trim work
to make it look sporty. Sidemounts are a rather rare option on the
120 and give it a presence that rivals its more expensive siblings.
In fact, the biggest problem with the 120 back when it was new is
that it was simply too good and buyers figured why should they step
up to a large-series car when this one was already excellent in
every way? It shows in the detailing around the running boards, the
hood vents, and the "donut pusher" hood ornament, which was very
similar to the larger cars. The chrome details are just as
impressive, with newer shiny bumpers and nice stainless details,
and the tan canvas convertible top is in good shape as well. If you
want a Packard to drive first and foremost, a 120 is what you
should be seeking.
The black leather interior is a great matching complement to the
black bodywork and uses period-correct vertical pleats on the wide
bench seat. It seems roomy inside because Packard moved the shifter
to the steering column a few years earlier, and because this is a
yacht-like 4-door, there's plenty of room for passengers in the
matching rear bench. The steering wheel is nicely wrapped and
perhaps showing some age, but the rest of the beautifully painted
dash and instruments are quite nice. This car includes optional
dealer-installed heater and an underdash AM radio, which was
cutting edge tech at the time but sadly not functional today, which
is hardly surprising. Rumble seats were discontinued in 1938 which
means there's a huge trunk, which carries a jack set and carpeted
mat. There's also the aforementioned fitted tan canvas top to give
it a beautiful look, top up or down.
The 120 uses a 282 cubic inch straight-8, which makes, naturally,
120 horsepower. It's as smooth and torquey as you'd expect and
moves the trim convertible with genuine enthusiasm. It was painted
with proper Packard olive green paint some time ago (possibly not
since the factory) and we don't see many deviations from the
original spec under the hood other than maybe the radiator cap and
chrome oil bath top cover. An oil bath air cleaner is correct
equipment though, as are the coolant hoses, and a single downdraft
carburetor that offers great throttle response. The three-speed
manual transmission shifts easily thanks to synchromesh on 2nd and
3rd gears and it's pretty happy at 55 MPH. The 120's innovative
Safe-T-Flex independent front suspension was now standard across
the line, but it was still a great handling car with a lot of
confidence on the road. The brakes were similarly powerful and
reliable for the period. Handsome steel wheels with more red
pinstripes, trim rings, and Packard hubcaps are wrapped in 7.00-15
whitewall tires for the perfect period look.
If you know Packards, you know this is a special car. It's ready to
drive right now, and if you haven't experienced the joy of a 120,
this is probably your last chance to get a drop-top at anything
approaching a reasonable price. Call now!