Vehicle Description
Superb restoration finished in 2016. Multiple national award
winner. Overdrive. Packard's famous 356 cubic inch straight-8 runs
beautifully. Exceptional interior and everything works including
the clock. A fabulous tour car that may still collect trophies at
shows. It appears that the original owner of this 1942 Packard 160
touring sedan was the Cleveland Steel Erecting Company, located in
Bedford, Ohio. It seems to have lived its entire life in Ohio and
was treated to a cost-no-object restoration in the mid-2000s. It
wears AACA National First Prize and CCCA Senior First Prize badges,
which are indicative of the superior restoration work. In the seven
or eight years since then, it has been used sparingly on tours and
proves once again that few collector cars are more roadworthy than
a late pre-war Packard with overdrive. The glossy black bodywork is
in fantastic condition with a deep gloss that reflects quite
clearly-no waves or ripples here. Body alignment and panel gaps are
excellent and all four doors close with a heavy THUNK that suggests
great solidity. The chrome and stainless trim was all restored, and
if you've ever paid to refinish brightwork you know that was not an
inexpensive job. Running boards were vanishing across the industry,
but the long-wheelbase Packard still used them as a connection to
their coachbuilt history and they do indeed make it quite easy to
get in and out. It's probably also worth noting that the running
board rubber is in fantastic condition (again, a very expensive
restoration job). In fact, everything on this car is quite nice,
from the glass and weather seals to the lenses and emblems. For a
modestly-priced 4-door sedan, someone certainly spent a lot of
money on the restoration. Another big chunk of change went into the
tan wool broadcloth interior, which is simply gorgeous. The simple
patterns were part of Packard's understated elegance, working with
the ornately woodgrained garnish moldings and dashboard, all of
which are in excellent condition. Factory gauges are all functional
and in 1942, Packard eliminated the manual choke and throttle
knobs, greatly simplifying the dashboard. The steering wheel was
undoubtedly restored and shows beautifully, with an unusual horn
ring and nicely detailed center button. It's worth noting that
everything works on this car, including the clock, which was
recently rebuilt-even all the courtesy lights come on when you open
a door. There's a hidden toggle switch for the electric fuel pump
(which is needed to drive the car as the original mechanical pump
has been bypassed), but there are no outward signs of modification.
The accessory heat and defrost switches are period-correct items
that were likely dealer-installed and the large knob just to the
right of the steering column is for the overdrive (please read the
included owner's manual to familiarize yourself with its operation
before setting off on a drive). Carpets are plush and protected by
Packard-logo floor mats and the headliner is beautifully fitted.
The fully upholstered trunk includes a jack assembly as well as a
matching full-sized spare tire so you don't have to wrestle with
the sidemounts and their covers in case of emergency. There are
some who will argue that the final 356 cubic inch straight-8 is the
best of Packard's best, and I can't disagree. In 1942 it was rated
at 160 horsepower, but it isn't horsepower that makes this engine
sing, since it doesn't really like to rev, but rather the
effortless creamy-smooth torque that moves this car like it's
powered by an electric motor. The engine has been rebuilt and runs
beautifully, starting with the original accelerator pedal switch
and cruising easily at 70 MPH with the overdrive engaged. Routine
maintenance items have been recently serviced, including a full
tune up, and there's evidence that the radiator has been re-cored
and the water pump replaced, making it mechanically healthy and
ready to tour. It wears correct Packard Green engine enamel and the
engine bay is correctly detailed (hence all the awards). There are
no notable deviations from stock beyond the aforementioned electric
fuel pump and a unique 6/12 volt solenoid system that cranks the
engine on 12 volts but operates on the original 6. It does not get
hot, it is not finicky, and there's only a distant hum audible from
the driver's seat. It acts like a Packard should act. The chassis
was nicely restored and I'm flat-out astounded by how beautifully
this car rides, ignoring bumps and gliding over broken pavement
without a wiggle or a rattle, just the way luxury cars should. The
rear suspension enjoys tube shocks (a real innovation for 1942) and
steering is reasonable for such a large, heavy car-just keep it
rolling and it takes very little effort. There are a few minor
signs of use on the undercarriage, but you can see that the
restoration was thorough and there is evidence of quality work
everywhere you look. The exhaust has a mellow, quiet sound that's
appropriate to a Packard and it sits on 16-inch steel wheels
outfitted with hubcaps and trim rings, as well as a set of 7.00-16
Firestone wide whitewalls that have plenty of life left in them.
Documentation is extensive, including original owner's manuals, a
shop manual, technical notes, maintenance receipts, magazine
articles, and awards letters. This Packard represents a whole lot
of car for the money. The restoration was surely hugely expensive
and still shows extremely well. As a proven tour car, you can drive
it with the confidence expected of a Packard. Add in the overdrive,
the excellent documentation, and the many awards, and you get an
affordable Full Classic with a great pedigree that's ready to
enjoy. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes
personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
