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Packard 160 356 cubic inch straight-8 1942

General description : Superb restoration finished in 2016. Multiple national award winner. Overdrive. Packard’s famous 356 cubic inch straight-8 runs beautifully. Exceptional interior and everything works including the clock. A fabulous tour car that may still collect trophies at shows.

It appears that the original owner of this 1942 Packard 160 touring sedan was the Cleveland Steel Erecting Company, located in Bedford, Ohio. It seems to have lived its entire life in Ohio and was treated to a cost-no-object restoration in the mid-2000s. It wears AACA National First Prize and CCCA Senior First Prize badges, which are indicative of the superior restoration work. In the seven or eight years since then, it has been used sparingly on tours and proves once again that few collector cars are more roadworthy than a late pre-war Packard with overdrive. The glossy black bodywork is in fantastic condition with a deep gloss that reflects quite clearly—no waves or ripples here. Body alignment and panel gaps are excellent and all four doors close with a heavy THUNK that suggests great solidity. The chrome and stainless trim was all restored, and if you’ve ever paid to refinish brightwork you know that was not an inexpensive job. Running boards were vanishing across the industry, but the long-wheelbase Packard still used them as a connection to their coachbuilt history and they do indeed make it quite easy to get in and out. It’s probably also worth noting that the running board rubber is in fantastic condition (again, a very expensive restoration job). In fact, everything on this car is quite nice, from the glass and weather seals to the lenses and emblems. For a modestly-priced 4-door sedan, someone certainly spent a lot of money on the restoration.

Another big chunk of change went into the tan wool broadcloth interior, which is simply gorgeous. The simple patterns were part of Packard’s understated elegance, working with the ornately woodgrained garnish moldings and dashboard, all of which are in excellent condition. Factory gauges are all functional and in 1942, Packard eliminated the manual choke and throttle knobs, greatly simplifying the dashboard. The steering wheel was undoubtedly restored and shows beautifully, with an unusual horn ring and nicely detailed center button. It’s worth noting that everything works on this car, including the clock, which was recently rebuilt—even all the courtesy lights come on when you open a door. There’s a hidden toggle switch for the electric fuel pump (which is needed to drive the car as the original mechanical pump has been bypassed), but there are no outward signs of modification. The accessory heat and defrost switches are period-correct items that were likely dealer-installed and the large knob just to the right of the steering column is for the overdrive (please read the included owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with its operation before setting off on a drive). Carpets are plush and protected by Packard-logo floor mats and the headliner is beautifully fitted. The fully upholstered trunk includes a jack assembly as well as a matching full-sized spare tire so you don’t have to wrestle with the sidemounts and their covers in case of emergency.

There are some who will argue that the final 356 cubic inch straight-8 is the best of Packard's best, and I can't disagree. In 1942 it was rated at 160 horsepower, but it isn't horsepower that makes this engine sing, since it doesn't really like to rev, but rather the effortless creamy-smooth torque that moves this car like it's powered by an electric motor. The engine has been rebuilt and runs beautifully, starting with the original accelerator pedal switch and cruising easily at 70 MPH with the overdrive engaged. Routine maintenance items have been recently serviced, including a full tune up, and there's evidence that the radiator has been re-cored and the water pump replaced, making it mechanically healthy and ready to tour. It wears correct Packard Green engine enamel and the engine bay is correctly detailed (hence all the awards). There are no notable deviations from stock beyond the aforementioned electric fuel pump and a unique 6/12 volt solenoid system that cranks the engine on 12 volts but operates on the original 6. It does not get hot, it is not finicky, and there’s only a distant hum audible from the driver’s seat. It acts like a Packard should act.

The chassis was nicely restored and I'm flat-out astounded by how beautifully this car rides, ignoring bumps and gliding over broken pavement without a wiggle or a rattle, just the way luxury cars should. The rear suspension enjoys tube shocks (a real innovation for 1942) and steering is reasonable for such a large, heavy car—just keep it rolling and it takes very little effort. There are a few minor signs of use on the undercarriage, but you can see that the restoration was thorough and there is evidence of quality work everywhere you look. The exhaust has a mellow, quiet sound that’s appropriate to a Packard and it sits on 16-inch steel wheels outfitted with hubcaps and trim rings, as well as a set of 7.00-16 Firestone wide whitewalls that have plenty of life left in them.

Documentation is extensive, including original owner’s manuals, a shop manual, technical notes, maintenance receipts, magazine articles, and awards letters.

This Packard represents a whole lot of car for the money. The restoration was surely hugely expensive and still shows extremely well. As a proven tour car, you can drive it with the confidence expected of a Packard. Add in the overdrive, the excellent documentation, and the many awards, and you get an affordable Full Classic with a great pedigree that’s ready to enjoy. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.

http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1673

1942 Packard 160 356 cubic inch straight-8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $42900.

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