Once bitten, twice shy, the saying goes. The Packard Motor Car Company, however, ignored the old maxim, to a beneficial outcome. The firm’s first attempt at a smaller, lower-priced car, the 1932 Series 900 Light Eight, had proved a disappointment, but as the Depression deepened the need for a price leader became more acute. Thus was born the One-Twenty, named for its wheelbase and introduced in January 1935.

Whereas the 900 had used the same engine as the full-size Standard Eight, the One-Twenty had a new straight eight, four-fifths the displacement of the larger Eight, but making 85-percent of its power. The body was all new and the One-Twenty pioneered two new features that were not yet seen on senior Packards: independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Popularity was immediate. Nearly 25,000 were sold in the first year, more than three times the volume of all other Packards combined. This one model ensured the survival of the company.

The 1937 model year would prove even better, with more than 50,000 sold. Although most were bread-and-butter cars, coupes and sedans, at the top of the One-Twenty line were two long-wheelbase seven-passenger models. Next most prestigious and most expensive of the 120-inch wheelbase cars was the style number 1097, the Convertible Sedan being offered here.

It was restored for former owner Pete DeLuca by Carriage Auto Care of Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. Judging from the odometer reading of 285 miles, it’s been driven very little since. Painted a medium blue, it has brown leather upholstery with pleats and buttons, in excellent condition. The dashboard has restored woodgrain, and the car is equipped with a radio, clock, etched windwings and a rear-mounted trunk rack.

The engine compartment is correctly presented, wanting only some detailing to make it excellent. Similarly the undercarriage shows some soil of use. The tires are Firestone Deluxe Champion wide whitewalls in the 7.00-16 size. It comes with invoices from Mr. DeLuca’s ownership and a shop manual.

The One-Twenty cars are often called “Junior Packards.” This Junior Packard looks ready to graduate to a new owner.