Packard 1-38 Six Touring
Car producer :  |
Packard |
---|---|
Model: |
1-38 Six Touring |
Year: |
1913-1915 |
Type: |
Tourer |
Packards 1-38 model was introduced in December of 1912 and was the company's second six-cylinder model. Power was from an L-head engine with cylinders cast in pairs, and rode on seven main bearings and displaced 415 cubic-inches, offering 60 brake horsepower. These were the first Packard cars to have left-hand drive and an electric start, with the latter being provided by a Delco starter-generator, of the type developed by engineer Charles Kettering.
The Model 1-38 had a control unit attached to the steering column. This unit was the work of chief engineer Jesse Vincent, who would later be responsible for Packard's Twin Six and Liberty aircraft engine, and it had an ignition lock; switches for the ignition, lights, and horn; and a mixture control for the carburetor. This setup placed most of the controls within easy reach for the driver, leaving the instrument panel free for instruments alone, except for a carburetor primer used for starting.
The two-passenger runabout rode on a 115-inch frame, while most of the other Model 1-38 body-styles rested on a 134-inch wheelbase platform. The runabout measured nearly two feet shorter than the big cars, with comparably lightweight bodywork.
Packards 1-38 was continued into 1914 with very few changes. It was introduced as the '38' and later designated the Series 1-38. Power was from an L-head six-cylinder engine cast-in-three blocks of two. The valves were enclosed with aluminum covers and located on the right.
The Packard 1-38 was the company's first model to use an electric starter and the first to have left-hand drive.