1936 Packard 120 Convertible
Streamlined styling and competitive pricing helped save Packard from potential bankruptcy during the Great Depression. The 120-B was introduced in September 1935 with a larger engine and refinements such as a new cellular radiator, improved accelerator linkage, revised shift mechanism, and coil springs.
This positioned Packard’s first mid-priced model against established competitors like Oldsmobile and LaSalle.
Outwardly, the 1936 120-B received larger bumpers with guards and replaced the previous suicide front doors with front-hinged units. The design featured flowing fenders, a low-slung profile, and Packard’s distinctive radiator shell topped with the Goddess of Speed mascot.
For 1936, Packard increased the displacement of the L-head eight to 282 cu in, boosting output to 120 bhp and making the car capable of reaching a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). The straight-eight was paired with a three-speed manual transmission and featured Packard’s innovative “Safe-T-Flex” independent front suspension with coil springs.
Production of the 1936 Packard One Twenty reached 55,042 units, accounting for approximately ninety percent of Packard’s total output that year and validating the strategy that kept this prestigious marque alive during challenging economic times.
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