Introduced as part of the Thirteenth Series in 1934, the One Twenty was Packard’s attempt at a mid-market model, appropriately named for its 120-inch wheelbase. While retaining the company’s reputable build quality and luxurious appointments, the One Twenty adopted several innovative features not yet available in the larger Senior models, including independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.

When Packard began delivering Fourteenth Series cars in August 1935, the One Twenty was equipped with a newly enlarged version of the company’s classic straight-eight engine, displacing 282 cubic inches and developing 120 horsepower. The model was available in eight different body styles and became overwhelmingly popular during the 1936 model year, selling over 55,000 units and dwarfing the combined sales of all other Packard models. Despite its impressive run, the One Twenty was rebranded as the Eight for the 1938 model year, capping a short production period of just three years.

This stunning, restored One Twenty Convertible Coupe was delivered new on 29 January 1936 by Packard Evanston in Illinois and perfectly illustrates why the model was so popular. A certificate of title on file, dated 19 October 1937, indicates the first known owner, a Mr. Howard Bert, acquired the Convertible Coupe from Packard Motor Car Company of Chicago for $468. Remarkably, it would not change hands for another 56 years. The estate of Mr. Bert sold the Packard to its next owner, Charles Matthews of Waukegan, Illinois, on 20 November 1992. Matthews is said to have commissioned a complete frame-off restoration, which included changing the color to the model-year-correct Brighton Blue that the car now wears. Period photographs on file indicate that the car was previously finished in a darker color. The interior is beautifully upholstered in tan leather—perfectly complementing the tan soft-top—and features a stylish banjo steering wheel installed by the current owner.

After acquiring the car in 2011, seemingly driven sparingly since its restoration, the consignor promptly showed it that same year at the Antique Automobile Club of America meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where it won the Junior National First Prize. It followed that award with a Senior National First Prize at the same meet in 2014, and then the Grand National First Prize in 2019 at the AACA meet in Auburn, Indiana. The car most recently won Best in Class at the 2022 St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance in Chester, Maryland.

Now offered with a history file, this exquisite Packard One Twenty Convertible Coupe is ready to continue impressing at concours, where it will surely be welcomed.