Re: Actually hit 100 mph?

Posted by Dave Brownell On 2014/9/3 20:16:02

As others have said, there are probably some records of these cars attempting to hit the century mark on what we'd now call a premier closed circuit course, such as the Packard Proving Grounds.

These cars might not make it that fast because relatively few American cars could (perhaps excerpting Cords and Auburns) in that price range. But very expensive cars might have if their price was not a factor in the comparison. Perhaps the fastest upper-medium priced car that could come close was the aptly-named Buick Century with a large car engine in a smaller-bodied car. Centurys sold well to the image Buick advertised.

But remember, in the late thirties there were mighty few stretches of roads where 100 mph could be safely attained. Highway speed limits were about 50 mph at best, and a few years later, a national wartime limit of 35 was established. With its large frontal area, what must have been a hellacious drag factor, a rather high rear end ratio and tire technology that we'd consider primitive today, not many Packard 120s would ever see much more than 80. Back then 50 was our current equivalent of 80.

Given the lack of current safety features, I'd consider anyone who'd try and drive a Packard 120 of that era over 80 to be a fool, even if the car could achieve the speed. A 75 year old car has earned the right to travel at graceful speeds. And a Packard like that does look good doing things gracefully.