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 bya 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.
