Re: Interesting 41 120 listed on Hemmings

Posted by 58L8134 On 2015/10/3 10:11:09

Hi

Well, severely formal panel broughams weren't for everyone, nor were they intended to be! They were the last iterations of the old paneled carriages built exclusively for attending high social class functions such as the opera or gavottes. They were only seen at such events, full-liveried chauffeurs in the open, attending to their betters attired in evening gown, tuxedo and tails with top hat, looking down their noses through pence nez and/or lorgnette. It was a society culture that was quickly fading away by WWII when these late panel broughams were built.

The more maneuverable Eight and later 127" wb 120/160 chassis was preferred for such use, especially by the chauffeur, perfectly acceptable to the owner as long as it was a recognized prestige make. Given that the visual differentiation was minor between the 120 and 160, that the 160 Super Eight horsepower wasn't necessary for such occasions, the 120 was perfectly fine as a panel brougham basis.

Rollston/Rollson was trying to survive by exploiting whatever demand still existed for the formal styles which had been their stock and trade. Its a shame their 1940 SunAire sport sedans weren't a success as they were much more attractive and just the styling more Packard sedans should have carried.

Steve