Vehicle Description
Unlike the majority of its competitors, Packard survived the
devastating Depression and maintained its stature as one of
America's leading luxury-car makers. Introduced on September 16,
1940, Packard's Nineteenth Series cars featured subtly updated
styling, with only minor changes in the overall body panels for the
1941 One-Twenty line. Inside, a new, more ergonomic plastic dash
design was available in various colors to match the interior.
Packard would build over 17,000 of this continuingly popular
"Junior" model and by far, one of the rarest was the stylish yet
practical eight-passenger, wood-bodied station wagon.By the
late-1930s, only a handful of companies remained to build useful
yet elegant wooden bodywork for America's various car
manufacturers. Packard had switched from Cantrell in 1940 to
Hercules Body Company, who also built bodies for GM. The
wooden-bodied station wagons were shipped back to Packard for final
assembly at the East Grand Boulevard plant. Although Packard built
far fewer station wagons than many of its competitors, they were
some of the most elegant and stylish in the industry.For 1941,
Packard offered a choice of Standard or Deluxe station wagons in
the One-Ten and One-Twenty Series, with far fewer of the
eight-cylinder cars built. The Standard 120 version, body style
1493, was priced at $1,466, while the Deluxe model, body style
1473, cost $1,541. The total production of all Packard station
wagon bodies built by Hercules Body Company in 1941 was but 358
units, with only 58 of them on the eight-cylinder chassis, making
this One-Twenty rare when new, and even more so today.This lovely
120 Station Wagon was discovered by Rod Williams of Jamestown, New
York, in 1980. The old Packard was in good overall, unrestored
condition and most of the wood was remarkably sound, most likely
because it had apparently been sitting in a dry barn, near Eldred,
Pennsylvania for a number of years. Fortunately, the Hercules body
tag 847 was also still intact.Mr. Williams saw terrific opportunity
in the rare old 120 Station Wagon and decided upon restoring the
wagon properly, from A to Z. The woodwork was entrusted to Malcolm
Limberg. A wooden boat expert, Mr. Limnerg had restored James Ward
Packard's own boat, which still exists at Bemus Point, New York.
For the most part, the Hercules wood body only needed to be
refinished, with the exception of a couple of sections over the
rear wheels that were in need of replacement. Mr. Williams also had
the engine and transmission, front and rear suspension, brakes, and
cooling system refurbished. The wagon was repainted in black
lacquer and the wood treated to three coats of spar varnish.
Stainless fasteners were used throughout, and the car was rewired
with a proper wiring harness.All three rows of seats were rebuilt
and reupholstered in leatherette, and correct brown rubber floor
mats were used. Trippe driving lights and bumper guards were added
and the chrome refinished. After the exacting restoration was
complete, the now immaculate Packard Station Wagon was shown at an
AACA meet where it garnered a National First Place award.The most
recent owner purchased the wagon in 2010, and it has resided since
in a diverse collection of significant automobiles, where it was
regularly used, and serviced by a team of in-house specialists.
Included with the sale is an original owner's manual, as well as an
extensive file, with correspondence, history, and receipts.Thanks
to wonderful caretaking, this Packard presents in fabulous
condition. It is always a delight to see a vintage Woodie pass by
on the road, and with the 1941 models being particularly rare, keen
observers are sure to take notice. This spectacular Packard
One-Twenty Station Wagon will surely make a fine addition to any
collection. Offers welcome and trades considered. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7853-1941-packard-120-woody/
