1940 Packard Model 1801

120 Convertible

282 ci. Straight Eight

3-Speed Column Shift

13992095

Clear

Gasoline

OVERVIEW:This is a stock 1940 Packard, Series 1801, One-Twenty Convertible Coupe. Its original color was a dark Pacific Blue, and it is equipped with the twin rear fold down jump seats.It retains its original 282 ci. 120 hp. L-head 8 cylinder engine, mated to a 3-speed column shift transmission. Total Packard One-Twenty production in the 1940 model year was 28,138 units, with Convertible Coupes being a small percentage of that.These models weighed 3,540 lbs. and rode on a 127” wheelbase.The One-Twenty’s are noted as being fun to drive, solid, powerful and reliable. Packard automobiles were built from 1899 to 1958. With a span of nearly 60 years, Packard was one of the longest running and most successful manufacturer of automobiles in America. Well known for its advertising slogan, “Ask the Man Who Owns One”, it had a solid reputation for building well engineered, and quality cars. The odometer reads 83,605 miles.The car received a cosmetic restoration back in the 1970’s, and then came into Canada from Lake Placid in upper New York State. It has been with its present owner for over 25 years, licensed and being driven up to the year 2000 when it was tarped and stored outdoors. During the last 18 years it did succumb to some weathering as tarps and the top deteriorated. However, it remains very complete and without modifications, and is in running condition, albeit needing restoration in many areas. The serial number tag off the driver side upper cowl has been lost, but the number is on the vehicle registration document. It was registered with serial # 1399 2095 C30958. The first 4 digits represent the Packard body type number, the next 4 digits are the production number. The last series starting with ‘C’ is the engine number, although as far back as 1978 a transcription error missed a digit because the actual engine number on the block is C303958. To simply bring it to driver condition will require flushing out the main fuel line from the tank to the pump, and freeing up the hand brake.As a restoration project it will require various rust repairs and metal work in addition to the rest of it. This listing provides many more details as you scroll thru. Near the end of this listing under Payment Terms you will find a link to a photo album of over 140 pictures. DRIVETRAIN:The drivetrain is the correct original Packard 282 ci. 120 hp. L-head inline 8, serial # C303958, mated to a 3-speed manual transmission.It is complete under the hood, with only the air cleaner and some splash pans presently off and in the trunk. Engine work done prior to 1999 by the current owner included having the head planed with new head studs and gasket installed, a new timing chain, rod bearings and rings. The pistons and valves were deemed to be OK. The engine had not been run in several years, so over the past few weeks penetrating oil was poured into the cylinders prior to any attempts to turn the engine. In the last few days the engine was turned over and found to be free. The gas tank was drained and a couple gallons of fresh gas added with the intent of getting it running. Lightly pressurizing the tank several times failed to get gas up to the pump, so the main line is plugged up, likely varnished up by stale gas.The next step was to run the pick-up line before the pump into a gas can and then prime the carb while cranking. The engine started and after a bit of priming the fuel pump picked up the fuel and the engine ran on its own, so the fuel pump is working.The engine was run for about 5 minutes during which time it was blowing smoke from the oil in the cylinders but started to clear up.The gauge indicated 60 lbs. oil pressure cold, and the heater hoses started to warm up.The engine ran fine and sounded good with no unusual noises, and responded instantly to throttle pumps. Shifting into gear was easy, but proved that the emergency brakes at the rear wheels were locked up and the car refused to roll ahead in forward gear, held back by the brakes, but reluctantly did roll a few inches in reverse. Everything else under the hood is there and appears as correct original equipment.The radiator has been flushed and cleaned, the core and tank look in very good condition. CHASSIS:This car rides on a 127” wheelbase. The frame appears totally solid, with no signs of any collision damage. Although some sheet metal on the body has rust out issues, the frame show no signs of rust out, rot, or weak areas. All suspension, steering, driveshaft and rear end components are original without modifications, although the links for the front stabilizer are missing.Receipt from 1998 shows the car received new kingpins, lower control arm pins, control arm bushings, shocks, tie rod ends, a steering alignment, and adjustment of the 4-wheel hydraulic brakes.The exhaust system is intact and appears in serviceable condition. The car will require flushing out or replacing the main fuel line to get it drivable, and an inspection of the brakes. If it sits for a week or two the brake pedal will go to the floor, but it comes up firm after a couple of pumps and does give brakes. The car is riding on original 16” steel disc rims, and the tires are a matched set of Garfield bias ply wide white 6.50-16’s. They all hold air and have good tread remaining, but have age checking and cracking, so will need to be replaced for road worthiness.There is a spare wheel and tire in the trunk, along with a jack. BODY & PAINT:Previous cosmetic restoration of body and paint has long since lost any merit and will need restoration once again, but the body and sheet metal are quite straight. There are no signs of collision damage apart from some small dents at the right front and left rear fenders.Hood top and side panels, doors, and trunk lid are quite straight. There is a bit of rust out visible where the bottoms of the A-posts meet the rockers. The upper rockers overall appear solid, but some rust out is evident along the lower flange underneath.The bottoms of doors are solid, with only a few very small blisters along the bottom of the right door skin.Previous patch repairs at lower quarters between doors and rear fenders is most evident on driver side. There is rust out at the bottom corners of the trunk lid inner frame, but no blisters or rust out evident at the outer skin.The trunk pan has rust out issues and sections of it will need metal work repair.The carpets have not been lifted for inspection, but judging from the underside there is some undercoat peeling from the floor pans, and one should expect at least some minor repairs required there as well. The running boards and mounts appear solid. The right board retains original rubber mating, but none on the left board. The car underwent a color change when painted, the original color being a very dark Pacific Blue. INTERIOR:This car is equipped with dual rear fold down jump seats.The interior had previous restoration to original but has since deteriorated as well, although it remains complete.There is no evidence of what the original upholstery materials may have been. All seats and door panels were redone in vinyl, and it has generic indoor/outdoor carpeting.Left kick panel present, right side missing. Steering wheel has a few minor cracks, and sports its original horn button.Original gauges and knobs, no glove box.All garnish moldings, door handles, window cranks, escutcheons, front and rear ash trays, and all hardware in place. No broken or cracked glass, all is good including windshield and rear window.Door windows roll up and down easily, wing vents open.All door and weather seals, window channels, and glass sweepers are originals.Original aluminum door sills plates.New pedal pads. TOP:The top was intact but deteriorated, during recent open transport it was ripped apart in the wind and so the remnants were removed to better show complete condition of top bow assembly.The original top would likely have been a tan Hartz canvas. The top bows are intact with no broken pieces, and it can be raised and lowered manually as shown. The main front header and rear bow are wood and remain good for patterns.Center latch works. The right side latch is missing a small section which does not impair its function.The system to lower and raise the top is vacuum operated, and both lift cylinders are present but the left one is disconnected. Vacuum lines are disconnected so the system is not currently operational. The rear window and chromed frame is still in place in what remains of the rear section of the top.Original dual sun visors in place. ELECTRICAL:The car retains its 6 volt electrical system, and all wiring harnesses on the car are original with a few newer wires here and there. There is a new battery installed. The car has an original clock mounted in the glove box door, a cigar lighter, a Packard Standard heater, and Packard Standard radio and speaker. Condition of all items is unknown.Equipped with dual electric wipers. BRIGHTWORK:It appears that all bright work is present on the car with no missing pieces apart from the small stainless cap over the trunk lock cylinder.Both bumpers and bumper guards will need to be chromed.The twin grille guard bars are in nice condition. It has a very nice Goddess of Speed hood ornament, with only a minor bend in the base tail piece which could easily be straightened.The center and both side grilles are very straight with no broken bars. The center grille has very nice chrome, and the pot metal side grilles have only very minor pitting visible. Bright trim on top and sides of hood, on top of headlamps and park lights, and down front fenders is in nice condition.The chrome door and vent window frames are nice original with no rust or chrome peeling issues. Belt line stainless is all there and straight, a mirror is mounted over it on driver side.The running board side stainless moldings are present but off the car, with some damage at center but restorable by a competent stainless repair person.The hubcaps and beauty trim rings are decent originals needing only a good polishing.The glass park light and tail light lenses are good. SUMMARY:If you are fan of late 30’s styling, or a Packard enthusiast, then this is your opportunity to bring home a very restorable example and worthy project.Its restoration would be supported by two international clubs and a very large and active group of Packard enthusiasts and parts sources. A major plus is the fact that the car remains very complete and intact. If you’re not familiar with the engineering of Packards and their appeal in the past and present, there is a wealth of information available online or through the clubs. These classy yet sporty convertibles have withstood the test of time, they are much admired and are always sought after.Your investment will be secured by the broad appeal of a Packard convertible.As a driver’s car, the One Twenty was one of Packard’s best. With the progression of years, and having to allocate resources to other projects at hand, the owner has decided to make this car available. It is being offered with a reasonable reserve. PAYMENT TERMS:This Packard is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email ‘carsgoneby@telus.net’ or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer. All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner and a visual inspection. A total of 146 pics are available for viewing at www.jpegbay.com/gallery/007073035-.html#0 . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing. IMPORTANT OTHER:Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.This vehicle is being sold with a Bill of Sale and year 2000 Alberta registration document.The car is located in Mossleigh, Alberta, Canada, about 3 hours north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all-inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions.Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.Thanks for looking! NOTICE REGARDING BID RETRACTIONS:Placing a bid to simply uncover the reserve price, or how high another buyer has bid, and then retracting or cancelling the bid is not allowed as it violates Ebay’s Invalid Bid Retraction Policy.Such bids are considered as ‘Unwelcome and Malicious Bidding’ as they contravene the seller requirements stipulated above, that you only bid with the intent to buy, and that you do not bid without the intent of concluding the transaction.Such bids are not in the spirit of a reserve auction. They ruin the experience for serious buyers and sellers, can cast doubt on the process and subject vehicle, and are a nuisance to the seller in general. Ebay rules stipulate, if you retract a bid for reason of ‘entered wrong amount’, you must re-enter your correct bid amount right away, and that changing your mind does not qualify as entering wrong amount.If you retract your bid as ‘wrong amount’ and fail to re-enter your correct amount, your bid will be considered ‘unwelcome and malicious’ and it will be immediately reported to Ebay, and they will investigate, and you will be placed on a blocked bidders list.