1937 Packard Six - 115-C 5-Passenger Touring Sedan

After a nine-year hiatus, Packard once again launched a model with a six-cylinder engine in 1937 as an affordable alternative to the eight-cylinder One-Twenty. Like the 1928 Six, the car was fitted with an in-line six-cylinder engine with side-valves, but now with a displacement of 3.9 litres and an output of 100 bhp. The engine was derived from that of the Packard 120 by omitting two cylinders. Engine power was transmitted via a single-plate dry clutch to a partially synchronised, three-speed manual gearbox (with column-mounted gear lever) and then to the rear wheels. The hydraulic brakes acted on all four wheels. The only chassis available had a wheelbase of 2'921 mm (115 inches). It could be fitted with a wide variety of closed and open body styles for 2–5 passengers, including a station wagon body (Woody). This Packard Six Touring Sedan was built in 1937 as one of 30'050 vehicles produced with an inline six-cylinder engine; it was delivered to the USA and registered there. The history of this imposing saloon is unknown, but it was evidently restored several years ago. Around 1990, the Packard was imported into Switzerland and, shortly afterwards, entered the collection of its last owner. There, the elegant car spent most of its time in a dry storage facility and has been driven just 200 miles since 2014. It is currently in very fine condition – the bodywork and chassis are sound and the paintwork still looks beautiful. The grey fabric upholstery is also in very good condition and shows only minor signs of wear. The engine turns over, but has not been started, and traces of water suggest that the radiator should be checked or overhauled. This large American car will certainly need a new battery, a service and a general overhaul before it can be driven on the road again. The last veteran MOT was carried out in June 2014.