SUPER-SOLID PACKARD 160, STRONG STRAIGHT 8, 3-SPEED W/OVERDRIVE, RUNS/DRIVES GR8

1941 Packard 160 Description

Before World War II, there was no bigger name than Packard. Managing to survive the Great Depression, Packard developed an all-new straight-8 engine to replace the mighty Twelve, and used it to power their biggest luxury cars like this 1941 Packard 160 touring sedan. Beautifully restored and ready to tour, this is a lot of Classic car for your money.Packards were always known for their conservative styling, and the 1941 Packard 160 is no exception. Fortunately, they have aged well and today are some of the most appealing pre-war cars you can own. There are many collectors who swear that the 1941 Packards are the best road cars produced up to that time, and after seeing and driving this handsome sedan, we can hardly argue with them. Finished in traditional Packard Blue, this big sedan looks impressive from any angle. It's in very good condition, although the paint job was done some years ago, so it's no longer show quality. On the other hand, it's ideal for touring, because you won't worry about road grime or the weather when you're driving, and sometimes that's really a relief. The big doors open and close with an amazingly solid sound, the butterfly hood latches without a fight, and 1941 would be the last year for running boards, which are beautifully made with chrome rub strips built right in. The formal Packard grille is beautifully chromed and the bumpers are nicely finished so they reflect the scenery as it glides past.The interior is simply spectacular, with correct wool broadcloth upholstery and enough stretch-out room to make Shaq feel comfortable. Striped fabric is exactly right for the period and goes with the tan broadcloth on the door panels, all of which are just how Packard did it in 1941. The only notable deviation from stock is the leather wrapper on the steering wheel, likely done because the plastic underneath is starting to unwind, which is common. The gauges are still art-deco cool, with a copper face and big numerals for the wide speedometer. Secondary controls are arrayed underneath with beautiful rectangular knobs made of ivory-colored Bakelite, and brand new knobs are included with the car. The original AM radio is still in the center of the dash and remarkably enough, it still works! It's all in very good overall condition, including the back seat area which looks almost new. The trunk is neatly finished with black carpets and includes a full-sized spare tire.The 356 cubic inch straight-8 is arguably Packard's best engine. Smooth, torquey, and utterly indestructible, it powered the biggest Packards from 1940 into the 1950s. With 160 horsepower on tap, it's powerful enough to move all that bodywork without much effort and you don't even need to downshift unless you come to a complete stop. It's painted in Packard Green engine enamel and looks quite stock, including the original downdraft carburetor, oil bath air cleaner, and generator. It cranks over slowly (still 6 volts) but that's pretty normal for these cars, and it always fires, settling into a smooth idle almost immediately. On the road, it's comfortable at 60 MPH and both the steering and brakes feel rather contemporary, making this an easy car to drive for just about anyone. The undercarriage is tidy but shows signs of use, which is a good thing because you know it's sorted, and the exhaust has a wonderful muted 8-cylinder hum that's just perfect. Newer wide whitewall radials are fitted, which really make it ride and handle beautifully without distracting from the original look.A fantastic entry-level Packard that's welcome at almost any major event and is a Full Classic recognized by the Classic Car Club of America. Call today!