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

Could someone tell me what the designation 120CA seen in the parts list means?

I am researching a 1937 120 sport coupe, considering purchase / restoration. Looking at the parts list and my question relates to how years and build trims are identified. In the list the cars are identified as follows:

120 Series 13 1935
120A Series 13 1935
120B Series 14 1936
120C Series 15 1937
120CA Series 15 ????? 1937
120CD Series 15 Deluxe 1937


As I understand it, the Sport Coupe was available in C trim only. The CD trim being reserved for Sedans and Limousines. I can find no other references to the CA trim.

When I see a part with this application --- 120-120A-120B-120BA.120C-120CA-120CD
I assume the part covers all trims, 1935 through 1937.

I believe the "A" suffix denotes the commercial chassis.

37 Sport Coupe -

The 'A' suffix indicates commercial chassis, which is shown for variety of chassis in the 35-41 list - not just the 120. Details of a commercial chassis often differed from the regular line due to nature of their intended use - like springs. I believe this suffix fell out of use after 1942 - in favor of more specific chassis numbers.

The 'B' and 'C' suffix merely identify subsequent model years of the 120 Junior line, rather than the Series designation that was used for the Senior cars.

So, for the 120, you had:

1935 => 120 and 120A
1936 => 120B and 120BA
1937 => 120C and 120CA, but also 120CD

The 'D' suffix indicates a Deluxe model, which included equipment, as standard, that was normally optional on other models/chassis.

The 138CD was a 1937 Junior 8-cyl. chassis with a longer wheelbase AND a deluxe model.

The example application listing that you provided would cover all 120 chassis from 1935-1937, but NOT the 138CD.

Thank you for your reply!

I guess the table should read

120 Series 13 1935
120A Series 13 Commercial 1935
120B Series 14 1936
120BA Series 14 Commercial 1936
120C Series 15 1937
120CA Series 15 Commercial 1937
120CD Series 15 Deluxe 1937

Is this correct?

Already answered by the second reply... did not see until after I posted... thank you both!

G'day 37 Sport Coupe,
to PackardInfo.

See your question has been answered, so invite you to include your '37 Sport Coupe in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo!

Hi,

I will register the car once details are available. As yet I have no serial numbers and so on.

Looking forward to this project but also a bit scared. The vehicle is a basket case and there will be a lot of research to find out what is correct. More details will follow next week.

Thanks for clarifying the use of "A". I was misunderstanding it to mean the first year for the 120. Like 120B for 1936, 120C - 1937 as Brian pointed out. I was also under the impression that there was no 13th series. Wrong again?

(o{}o)

There was no 13th series.

11th series 1934
12th series 1935
14th series 1936

I have sent a couple on PM's to you. Might be interesting for you

A bit more clarification regarding the parts list...

Would a part for application on "120 thru 115C" be used on a 120C? The way things are described is not quite clear to me.

I am getting ready to inspect the car perhaps Monday. Since it is in boxes it will be quite hard to establish what is there and what is missing. This is all made worse because the owner has two cars in similar condition. For now I am getting familiar with everything such that I can put a value on it. PackardInfo and the members have helped me a lot -Thanks