Re: Small export engine for 120?

Posted by 58L8134 On 2018/10/30 16:09:44

Hi Dave

Interesting discovery, likely in preparation for the '35 120 introduction, plans were made to service the export market and its specific requirements as well. In the idea of a smaller bore engine for export, Packard wasn't alone. The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942, Edited by Kimes and Clark, the Chrysler section beginning with 1933 details the Chrysler Wimbledon Six, page 318:

"Following it practice of selling a smaller or less expensive car in overseas markets Chrysler marketed what was in reality the model SD DeSoto in Great Britain. Although fitted with a small-bore export engine, the Chrysler Wimbledon was generally equipped with deluxe appointments such as dual fender-mounted spare tires."

Although it doesn't specify the initial engine displacement, later model year descriptions name the Plymouth 201.3 c.i. as the engine employed. English vehicle taxes were levied by horsepower ratings, perhaps the 201 met the functional requirements and tax limitations. Packard may have planned to conquest the British market with their 120 as did Chrysler with its Wimbledon Six. If such a plan was in place, Leonard Williams, Ltd. was possibly the driver behind it. When the 120 became the runaway success it did, plans for specific export equipment other than RHD were dropped. Sound plausible?

Steve