Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I am considering a 1942 120 convertible that is badged as a 160. Seller says this was done at the factory at the buyer's request. Anybody ever hear of such a thing, or is the seller more likely mistaken? What does this do to the value of the car? The car is beautiful.

No.That was never done at the factory.I have seen it done on many cars as the 120 and 160 have the same body.One way to tell a phony is the vent window.120 had a convential vent and the 160 had a crank for the vent window.At least this person is telling you its a 120.I would not pay 160 prices but I might give a little extra for that 356 cid engine as it is a great motor.

I take this to mean it is mechanically a 120, but has 160 trim

Off the top of head, this would mean different:
steering wheel
dash plastic
taillights
bumpers
running board (if so equipped) trim
grille
hood vents
trunk and hood scrpts

Of the several 120 convertibles, 1941 and 1942, that I've seen masquerading as a 160, as far as I can recall they all still had the 282 engine.

I have seen at least 3 on various web sights that had the 356 engine.They were being offered as 160's and had all the proper trim.None had the vent window crank.If I am not mistaken. I have seen 42 junior (110 and 120)cars and all had senior tail lights.

Thank you all for responding. I have since found a couple of videos done by a previous owner about four years ago, and it looks and sounds great. I am thinking of hiring a service to inspect the car prior to making an offer. I am in Pennsylvania and the car is in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Any recommendations as to who might be good?

G'day JohnK,
to PackardInfo. If you do purchase the '42 120/160? Convertible I invite you to include it in the Packard Owner's Registry.

I'd be interested in hearing others thoughts about the value of a such a car compared to a true 120 and 160 in comparable condition. It's neither a correct 120 nor a 160; my inclination is to say it should be worth less than a comparable 120 convertible despite a better powerplant.

Thoughts?

to me there are a couple of different cases. recall that not all the 120/160 differences are bolt on or have been discussed

A 282 with 160 trim, swing out windows
this is a 120 with senior trim. If you don't like the set up you can buy the 120 trim, sell the 160 trim, and be money ahead (compare the price of taillights!)
to me, worth 120 money

a 356 with 160 trim but swing windows. Caution! - this can be deceptively marketed and is likely a real 160 sedan with a junior convertible body swapped.

real 160 convt

John K:

I understand your concern about a 120 being "badged" as a 160 and you came here to learn more. I think you already suspect what the answer will be.

What EXACTLY do you mean by "badged as" ?

Would you care to share some photos?

As others have said, there are a number of differences between a 120 and 160. But, every (four of them) 1942 120s I have seen came from the factory with 1941 senior car tail lights.

? Did they change out the motor to a 356 cid?
? Did they remove the One Twenty script badges on the side of the hood and truck lid and replace with One Sixty scripts?
? Did they replace the fixed grill louvers on the 120 to those that open/close via a thermostat as with the 160?
? Did they add a crank open and close the vent windows in the doors?
? What does the data plate have as a body style number?
? Did they replace the 15" wheels with 16" wheels?

Somewhere, sometime along the line someone tried to pull a fast one. Done all the time. Wonder how many 60s era Pontiac GTOs started life as a Lemans?

I have never found any comments in Data Books, Sales Brochures, Service Letters, etc. about any "re-badging" option done at the factory.

As to value, I agree with Owen. Even if the car had a 356 motor installed I think it would be worth less than if it had the proper motor installed. You always have to have an exit plan for anything you do in life and this car is no exception. What are you going to do when it comes time to sell the car? Repeat that this a (rare) factory optioned car? Or tell the truth?

The best prices go to cars that are the most authentic. So, if you buy this car, then remember that you can NEVER (that is a long time) get it judged by PAC, PI or CCCA - they all know better.