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HomePick of the DayClassic pre-war Packard that is affordable as well as collectible

Classic pre-war Packard that is affordable as well as collectible

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From 1899 through 1953, Packard Motor Cars built some of the finest vehicles in the world, rivaling Rolls-Royce and any other prestigious European brand. The company slogan was “Ask the Man who Owns One,” which said everything that needed to be said about the quality of the cars.

Packards also were “Built for Gentleman by Gentleman,” the company crowed, and the magnificent cars were truly all of that.

Packard
The practical 4-door design keeps this Packard affordable

Collector cars of Packard’s caliber can be among the most seriously expensive cars today. While the most highly acclaimed Packards can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, the marque also offers opportunities for more frugal collectors to acquire all the quality and mystique of Packard ownership, but at a price that mere mortals could afford.

The Pick of the Day, a 1939 Packard 120 Touring Sedan, was a basic production model before the war and a car that would be affordable for most aspiring Packard collectors.

This 120 was recently repainted and has a body that’s in excellent shape, according to the private seller in Kalispell, Montana, advertising the sedan on ClassicCars.com. The only blemishes are a small dent on the hood and a minor scratch on the right rear fender, the seller says.

Packard
The classic Packard mascot

The chrome also has been redone and is in perfect condition, the seller adds, while the under carriage also is in great shape.

Powered by its original flathead straight-8 engine, the car starts and runs without smoke or suspect noise, the seller says, and recent repairs include a rebuilt generator and a new voltage regulator and battery. The clutch, transmission and brakes are said to all work well.

The interior is in very good shape, considering that it is original the car, the seller notes, and the photos with the add bear that out. There is a small tear on the front seat that has been repaired, the seller adds.

Packard
The interior has survived in very nice condition

All the gauges are said to work, although the radio just lights up without sound.

A Packard 120 like this would be a fun “full-classic” that is eligible for any show, and has one of the best and most active car clubs in the country.

Yet this one is priced at just $22,500. No, it’s not a high-end Packard 12 “Twin Six” or a coachbuilt example, but the four-door sedan should be just as satisfying as a more-exclusive Packard, and is nearly as beautiful.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Andy Reid
Andy Reid
Andy Reid's first car, purchased at age 15, was a 1968 Fiat 124 coupe. His second, obtained by spending his college savings fund, was a 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2. Since then, he has owned more than 150 cars—none of them normal or reasonable—as well as numerous classic motorcycles and scooters. A veteran of film, television, advertising and helping to launch a few Internet-based companies, Reid was a columnist for Classic Motorsports magazine for 12 years and has written for several other publications. He is considered an expert in European sports and luxury cars and is a respected concours judge. He lives in Canton, Connecticut.

7 COMMENTS

  1. I so enjoy these newsletters and the featured vehicles contained in each one. I look forward to checking these out and am so pleased to see what is still available.

  2. My uncle Hebert Green from Washington D.C. vjsited us about once a year in Linville N. C
    I always admired the Packard he was driving.

    n , from Washington

  3. I love old Packard’s and do wish the company had survived to give Cadillac and Lincoln more competition on the home front even today. This example appears to be in very good condition and has survived the decades quite well. At that price I don’t think it will last long.

  4. Unfortunately this car is not a "Full Classic" as defined by the Classic Car Club of America. Only 160 and 180 models were considered to have that designation.

    • Yes you are correct on the 160 and 180 Packards, but remember this was advertised as an affordable Packard. The 110 Packard six, a Junior Packard, is a great place to start preserving the legend of Packard and leave the 160 and 180 Packard to the 1 percenters who can afford to restore and maintain the big 8’s and 12’s. They all came down an assembly line in Detroit, Michigan.

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