1922 Packard Single Six

The Single Six model joined the Packard lineup in 1920 as a smaller and lower-priced alternative to its Twin Six sibling. The engine used an L-head design with a 241.5 cubic-inch displacement and developed 52 horsepower at its introduction. It benefitted from the company's experience building Liberty aero engines during World War I and employed design and mechanical features that allowed it to be nearly as powerful as the pre-war Packard six but with nearly half the weight and displacement size. It used the Fuelizer, introduced on the Twin Six, and solved the problem of heating low-grade gasoline to ensure complete combustion. A small amount of gasoline was ignited and exploded in a chamber around the intake manifold, and then drawn into the manifold, allowing the temperature of the gas to increase. Without the system in place, the wet and cold gasoline was drawn from the carburetor and converted into gas which explodes entirely upon ignition. With the Fuelizer in place, it offered complete combustion without the danger of unburned fuel corroding or deteriorating the lubrication from the cylinder wall.

The Twin Six rested on a 116-inch wheelbase and rode on 33 x 4.5-inch tires. Mechanical brakes on the rear wheel provided stopping power, and the handbrake was now located on the driver's left side.

Prices initially began at $3,640 but were quickly reduced to just over $2,350. Many early criticisms revolved around the Packard nameplate being applied to a vehicle that was considerably smaller than its 136-inch wheelbase Twin Six sibling. The development had been expensive which meant the price tag was similar to that of the larger Packard. Production of the Single Six 116 Model lasted from September 1920 through 1922 with total production reaching 8,800 examples

Packard responded to the Model 116 complaints with the Model 126 and Model 133 for 1922. Named for the wheelbase sizes of 126- and 133-inches, these new models came with a wider array of body styles. Prices began at $2,485 and rose to over $3,550. The list included coupes, sedans, tourer, and limousines with 4-, 5-, and 7-passenger capacities. Technical improvements included a slightly more powerful engine, now rated at 54 horsepower from the L-head straight-six having a 268.4 CID. The three-speed selective transmission had a nine-plate clutch and mechanical brakes continued to provide the stopping power. Styling changes included a new belt molding that was used on the open car bodies.

The customers approved of the bigger footprint and sales increased with total Single Six (Model 126 and 133) production reaching 26,560 cars.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2020