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I assume there is but can't find the answer anywhere: is there any difference between transmissions behind a v12, 320 & 385?

Is there any differences between transmissions between 1935 &1939?

I don't know about the 12s but on the jr cars 39 was a column shift

1934-36 Eight and Super Eight are the same. 1939 Super Eight is entirely different. I've heard it said that the 34-36 Eight and Super Eight trans was the same as the Super Eight and Twelve thru 1938 but can't be sure, a simple check of the parts books should provide the answer, the 33-36 Eight and Super Eight trans is #215083. 1939 Twelves were cane shift with column shift optional, I've seen about an equal number each way.

8s & su8s - 33-36 - same
12s - 33-39 - same exp for the colm shift

Have to do some digging but THINK the 32 3 spd had a diff case but guts were the same.

Best CLASSIC CAR TRANS there is. There is, or was, some DUESENBERGs out there that were converted to this trans.

The shifter for those transmissions should be kept with the unit. They may look the same, but the factory set those things up by hand and I have found that they should not be switched. Whether a trans was originally on an 8, Su8, or V-12 can be determined from the serial number and they do interchange so you will see an 8 trans on a V-12 and if they didn't keep the shifters with the transmission the shift quality will not be as good.

As to what is the best transmission, I don't have much of an opinion except that the Caddy 12 and 16's were pretty darn good. But for the rattle in 1st gear the 39 and later Caddy trans is superior to the Packard. I used to think Packard was the king of gear whine until I heard the Caddy 16. I still think the 7th series Packard has the edge, but only by a slight margin.