1923 Packard Single Six

Packard's Twin Six, twelve-cylinder model had attracted the elite clientele who were able to afford these elegant and expensive automobiles. In the early 1920s, a Single Six model was offered at a more economical price. Packard wanted to capitalize on the Liberty aero engine development done during World War I. The L-head 241.5 cubic-inch straight six engine offered just over 50 horsepower, which was comparable to the prewar six-cylinder engine which had twice the displacement and weight. The new engine was a seven-main bearing unit and fitted with the Packard-updraft with Fuelizer introduced on the Twin Six.

Introduced in April of 1922, the Single Six had a 116-inch wheelbase and body styles included a runabout, sedan, coupe, and 5-passenger tourer. The open cars had leather upholstery, and the closed cars were fitted with whipcord with leather for the doors and front seats.

Although the Single Six was a more economical Packard, it was still expensive, selling at over $3,600 with prices reaching nearly $5,000. Another drawback was its short 116-inch platform, which limited the number of passengers to four, reduced interior comfort, and gave the exterior a rather boxy and 'scrunched' appearance. Although terminating the Single Six line was considered, Packard instead decided to offer five body styles on a new 126-inch platform, and three seven-passenger body styles on a 133-inch chassis. The engine received slight modification resulting in an increase in horsepower by 2 hp, now rated at 54 hp. The water pump was relocated from the front of the engine, and a nine-plate clutch was installed.

The open bodied cars received a new belt molding which traversed the length of the car.

Packard slashed the prices by over 30% below the 1921 levels, and sales more than doubled. Total Single Six production of the 126 and 133 (for 1922 and 1923) reached 26,560 cars. Total production of the Single Six 116s were 8,800.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020