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

what was the first year for overdrive in a Packard

1939. On all models but the 446 leftover Twelves. Standard on all last-generation Pierce-Arrows 1936-38, available on Chryslers since 1934 model year. To dramatize the optional overdrive, Packard offered a '39-only 5,000 rpm (ridiculous, if deft marketing) tachometer, which replaced the clock in the glovebox door, imagining its monitoring of more interest to passenger than driver, apparently.

The '39 R6 version fully mechanical, akin to the R1 in Pierce and others earlier. 1940-early '48 used an electrically monitored R9 variant, later '48-'54 a slightly simplified R11.

If you're considering adding overdrive, use an R11, since they're more plentiful, so less expensive. Jeff Adkins, Moose Motors, Penngrove (Petaluma), CA call or text (707 792-9985, or email: packardguy54@sbcglobal.net Jeff has all versions, junior and senior, and their parts, also rebuilds same, being a lifelong Packard wrench tho' now focused on selling 1935-56 Packard mechanical and electrical parts, drum brake parts for all domestics Auburn through Zephyr. Tell him Mike, '47 Super Clipper, Walnut Creek, referred you.

The above another of those basic queries the Search box would've answered in moments, as well as a list of Packard vendors, including Jeff and the savvy, cordial Mike Grimes, at Merritt Packard in Indiana mike@packardparts.com (317) 736-6233, ext. 103 www.packardparts.com

There are dozens of fine, dependable Packard parts suppliers as you'll see, but the above two are my go-to's; Jeff because i've known him 35+ years and is not far from me, Mike Grimes because he is not only an unstinting gentleman, but a former industrial engine man.

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I'm pretty sure it wasn't really "offered" to the general public, though it could certainly have been bought by the general public. It does not show up in the accessories catalog. It was an accessory available to the dealers to show their customers, who may have been sitting in the passenger seat during the test drive... or at least, the first part of the test drive where the salesman demonstrated the use of the overdrive.

I think a tach would have been a useful accessory in a demonstrator car with overdrive. I wouldn't mind having one.
As for 5K, a Packard 120's horsepower peak occurs at 3880 RPM, and engine speeds up to around 4200 would not be excessive, so a 5K tach would be appropriate.