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

Thank you for all this advice, it is appreciated.
I am in Europe looking at the car today and I just wanted to check would the car originally been 6 volt or 12 volt and negative or positive earth?

Thank you.

6 volt positive ground.

Many cars sold originally in the U.K. and maybe parts of Europe had a 12v system in order to meet local regulations so the answer would depend on where your car was built and/or sold. One way to determine that is to look at some of the numbers on components such as the generator, voltage regulator or starter, then research based on that. If it was built for the U.S. market, then definitely 6v positive ground as all Packards were up to and including 1954.

Please keep us posted on the outcome, Mr. Hyde. As mentioned, this is of special interest to me, as i long owned a '40 One-Twenty and know our friends in the Sceptered Isle well respected One Twenties.
All luck,
Dr. Jeckyll, aka su8overdrive

Hi,
Just an update after all the useful advice I received, I purchased the car and it was finally delivered from Belgium yesterday. It needs some minor work after being in storage for so long so I have ordered the relevant manuals etc. and I am waiting for those to arrive.
I will update the Packard Register some time soon.
Thank you again.
Roger

rHide,

Looking at the photos...it appears that you have front/rear door jamb courtesy light switches missing. I have made reproductions of the originals (either 6V or 12V). Private message me if interested.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=275688

Also, are you coming to the US for the National Meet in Kansas City?

Dan M.

That's a good looking and well-optioned car. The Packard 8 engines have forged crankshafts, insert bearings, and full pressure lubrication to all bearings. They were also factory balanced. The rated 120 horsepower peaked at 3880 RPM, and the engine's speed (without overdrive) would be about 2880 RPM at 60 MPH, which is well within the engine's operating range. A 1938 Packard 8 in good condition can run 60 MPH all day long with no issues. MPG will depend on driving conditions and road conditions. If the car is not equipped with overdrive, it would be a very nice thing to have. MPG would improve under most conditions, and road speeds of 70 MPH would be no challenge for an overdrive equipped car, assuming the entire car is in good order. The engine develops a lot of smooth, low speed torque which makes frequent gear shifting unnecessary under most driving conditions. These cars ride and handle very well, far better than most any other pre WWII car. Brakes are adequate. The radio will tune 540 to 1600 kilocycles, unless it is a European market version, which may differ. Engine power is adequate for normal driving conditions, with power to spare for most situations. A vast amount of information is available on this website in the Literature Archive section, including shop manuals, specifications, and an extensive library of advertising and sales literature.
Packard built Rolls Royce Merlin aircraft engines during WWII, and Rolls Royce used the excellent Packard "Safety Flex" independent front suspension for several years.

Packard first offered overdrive in 1939 as the R6 which was switched to the R9 for 1940. As 1938 used the floor shift, it would be a difficult, but not impossible, conversion.

Drive mine with no overdrive at 60 MPH with no issues. I am surprised how quiet it still is as an open car. Makes me think a radio is not out of the question!
I have also been in an emergency stop situation with absolutely no issues. Original binders grab and hold well from highway speed to full stop very well and die straight.
I have left it in 3rd a number of times around town with little issue, of course full stops require downshifting, but normal corner slowdowns etc. she pulls back up to speed just fine left in high gear. There is no clutch chatter either and the clutch action is smooth and light, surprising after driving other cars of her same vintage that were very finicky about slow clutch deployment when hot.
The torque available from the in-line eight really accomplishes a wonderful power range and the suspension is also comparable to cars up into the 60's.
Bob J.